Report: Stoke City step up interest in Manchester City's Wilfried Bony

Stoke City are hoping to beat two of their Premier League rivals to the signing of Manchester City outcast Wilfried Bony, according to a report.

The Ivory Coast international is expected to depart the Etihad Stadium prior to Wednesday's transfer deadline, with West Ham United and Everton also interested.

Sky Sports News reports that Stoke boss Mark Hughes is looking into the prospect of taking the 27-year-old on loan, but the Potters will have to pay his £90,000-a-week wages in full during his spell at the bet365 Stadium.

Bony, who joined the Citizens from Swansea City for £28m in January 2015, has yet to be given any playing time this season under new manager Pep Guardiola.