Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has assured fans that they're working hard on new signings.

He told The Sentinel: "I am sure we will achieve what we want to and bring in good players who will make us a better team.

"I am not sure when, but I would like to think they would go to Austria. It would be nice if we can have one or two additional players going there."

City have adopted their usual stance of remaining silent over their list of targets but Coates says the club are in talks with a number of clubs over possible signings.

"We are in negotiation with clubs, players and agents, so there is plenty going on," he said. "At this moment I can't say we have signed such and such. But it will happen.

"There are a number of clubs we are talking to. Clubs play the field and agents play the field. That is how it is. They want to get the best deal and think someone might come along and offer more.

"It is the usual stuff, but we are confident we will bring some good players in."