Stoke: Potters braced for Bojan bids

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has encouraged this Potters team to play with freedom and ingenuity, which is ideal for the Spain worldwide.

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has dismissed “bonkers” transfer talk for Bojan Krkic.

“I think Ryan’s performances for a long time have deserved more recognition, not only at global level but in the wider domain so it’s good for him that people that should know are actually quite aware of how well he’s doing”.

“He’s been at big clubs in Europe and not found what he’s found here”. Our live coverage lets you follow all the key moments as they happen.

However, Hughes insists the fact Bojan has sampled life at European giants Barcelona, Roma and AC Milan – and failed to establish himself with those sides – will make him less likely to jump ship if a bigger club come calling.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for the former Barcelona star but both Bojan and his manager have played down the rumours. If it wasn’t that vision that he sold me, I probably would not be here, so Steve Parish deserves a lot of credit for where this football club is. I want to play and if he asks me to play as a striker, a second striker or anywhere I will give 100 per cent to help my teammates.

“I have to carry on and give more”.

He said: “With top players – which we undoubtedly have – there are a number of things they feel they need to progress their careers”.

Stoke host Crystal Palace in the Premier League tomorrow (December 19), who are sixth in the league. “That’s encouraging considering we didn’t win any of the first six games”, Hughes said.