Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone is in line for a new contract ahead of a season-long loan move to Stoke.
Michael O’Neill is poised to bolster his squad with the addition of the 22 year-old ahead of the start of the Championship season next week. Stoke travel to Millwall in their opener on Saturday.
Smallbone has been subject of significant interest following a strong end to last term with his country and a positive pre-season with Southampton.
Smallbone scored three goals and racked up an assist in three appearances for Ireland’s under-21s last month, helping put him on the radar of a number of clubs.