Mark Hughes to sign Danny Ings in January

Stoke City are exploring a deal to take Danny Ings on loan in January, with Mark Hughes wanting to add two or three players to his squad in the winter window. Hughes is ready to rival West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle and West Ham in pursuit of the Liverpool striker.
Ings may be made available by Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp looks to streamline his squad and allow the 25-year-old game-time elsewhere.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes wants to add two or three players to his squad in the window, The Stoke manager would not be drawn on specifics when asked about Ings but did say: I think there’s conversations about a lot of players.

Some will be in regard to taking players on a permanent deal and there’s always loan deals that can be done. We are well aware of who’s available and who might become available, but nothing is definite as yet.

It’s clear we need a little bit more help for the squad and a couple of extra bodies would help. Hughes dismissed any suggestion he would entertain offers from West Ham for Joe Allen

Hughes dismissed any suggestion he would entertain offers for his players to raise funds. West Ham have been linked with Joe Allen but Hughes said: It wouldn’t surprise me with his performance that people have been impressed, but there would be no encouragement from us.

Joe has been first class ever since he walked through the door and is enjoying his football, working hard for his team-mates, and we enjoy watching him.

Hughes may be forced to field two teenage full-backs at Chelsea as an injury crisis cripples his defensive options. Tom Edwards and Josh Tymon, both 18, are in contention to start at Stamford Bridge with Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi out injured, Erik Pieters a major doubt, and Kurt Zouma ineligible due to his loan agreement. Shawcross is out for at least a fortnight after limping out of the Boxing Day draw at Huddersfield with a calf injury.