Stoke City in talks over permanent deal for Stephen Ireland

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has confirmed that the club are in talks to sign Stephen Ireland on a permanent basis from Aston Villa.

The 27-year-old joined the Potters in September on a loan deal that runs until the end of the season.

Hughes has said that the club would like to tie up a transfer for the midfielder, whose contract at Villa Park expires in the summer.

"We're trying to do something with Stephen if we can. I know we've had discussions with his people and I've spoken to Stephen myself," Clubcall.com quotes the Stoke boss as saying.

"I think there's a willingness on both sides to get something done. Nothing's been agreed formally yet but I think the intention is there to try to do something if we can."

Ireland joined Villa from Manchester City in 2010.