Stoke City target Stephen Ireland?

Stoke City have reportedly made a bid to sign Stephen Ireland from Aston Villa.

The 27-year-old has been told by boss Paul Lambert that he is not part of his plans at Villa Park and as a result has recently trained with the club's development side.

That has alerted Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who believes that he could pick up the midfielder in a cut-price deal, according to Daily Mail.

Ireland and Hughes worked together during the latter's stint at Manchester City.