Stoke are reportedly hoping to steal Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson from under the noses of Sunderland.
Gibson rejected a transfer to the Potters last summer but it is now believed he is ready to commit his future to City in a £4m deal.
Sunderland have already been in talks with the 23-year-old but have backed off their negotiations after Gibson revealed his £40,000-a-week wage demands.
The goalscoring central midfielder would provide a welcome boost to an area of the pitch manager Tony Pulis has long been trying to improve.