Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has revealed that his club are closing in on the signing of Egyptian international Ramadan Sobhi.
The 19-year-old was a regular in the Al Ahly side which won the Egyptian title last month under former Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol.
It was claimed earlier this month that Stoke had agreed a £3.5m deal for the attacking midfielder and Hughes has now confirmed that the transfer is close to going through.
"We are hoping that [deal] is going to be concluded quite soon. I met him last night and he seems a very mature young man and we've got high hopes for him, so I'm very pleased he's going to join us and I'm looking forward to working with him," Hughes told reporters.
"The Egyptian league isn't an easy league, so he's obviously capable of dealing with that aspect and I'm sure he will have an impact with us."
Sobhi came through the youth system at Al Ahly and has scored 17 times in 71 appearances for the Egyptian outfit, including 11 in their Premier League.
Matt Law
