Stoke keen on former Aston Villa captain and West Brom target Fabian Delph

The Welshman has confirmed he has spoken to Manchester City regarding the possibility of acquiring Delph as he tries to reshape his midfield following Darren Fletcher's arrival.

Delph, 27, moved to City from Aston Villa in controversial circumstances two summers ago, but has struggled for regular playing time and he started just five games last season in Pep Guardiola's maiden campaign.

Asked about Stoke's interest in Delph, Hughes told the Sentinel: "We've asked for an idea in terms of the possibility of doing something. That's been ongoing for a couple of weeks now and we just have to be patient. With loan deals it's always the parent club that dictates who and when players go out.

"He's one of a number of players we're looking at. We speak to a lot of clubs and ask them about players' situations and their feelings and plans for them moving forward into the new season. He is one of those players we've asked about."

One player Delph would be unlikely to call a team-mate in the Potteries is Walters as he appears set to leave Staffordshire for Burnley following seven years with the Potters.

The English international famously made a dramatic U-turn on his stance at Aston Villa before departing to the Etihad, stating how proud he was to be the captain at B6, before changing his mind and moving on.

Stoke have had a number of dealings with clubs in the Midlands recently, with Saido Berahino and Darren Fletcher both heading to the Bet365 Stadium in the past seven months.