Stoke look set to miss out on the signing of midfielder Fabian Delph, who is ready to fight for his place with Manchester City.
The 27-year-old is known to be high on the wanted list of former Man City boss Mark Hughes at the bet365 Stadium, and at one point this summer it looked as though a switch to the Potteries could be on the cards.
However it now looks as though Delph’s interest in a switch to Stoke is cooling for one reason or another, and there is a chance he could remain a Manchester City player until at least the new year.
Delph’s chances of first-team football with the Blues look slim ahead of the new season, but for now he appears ready to try and fight his way into the thoughts of boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.
There is still chance for a deal to be resurrected before the transfer deadline on August 31, but Stoke are said to be exploring other options as they look to bolster their midfield for the season ahead.