Stoke are speaking to Derby about a permanent deal for on-loan goalkeeper Lee Grant, Potters boss Mark Hughes has confirmed.
Grant has excelled since moving to the bet365 Stadium at the end of the summer transfer window, going from third in line at Derby in the Championship to first choice in the Premier League.
It had been widely anticipated that Stoke would try to turn his half-season loan into a long-term deal following his impressive performances since taking over from veteran Shay Given in covering for the injured Jack Butland.
Derby boss Steve McClaren dodged the question at his press conference this week but Hughes was more forthcoming when asked about the 33-year-old's situation on Friday morning.