Report: Stoke City to launch loan move for Michael Mancienne

Stoke City are preparing a loan move for Hamburger SV defender Michael Mancienne, according to a report.

The former Chelsea player has been away from English football for two years, but The Mirror reports that he is ready to come back and Stoke see him as an ideal target.

It is believed that Mark Hughes has a restricted budget to work with during the January transfer window and the newspaper claims that Mancienne's versatility has convinced the Potters boss to make his move.

Mancienne has also played for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Queens Park Rangers on short-term deals.