Stoke City chief Peter Coates is relishing the burgeoning partnership with European champions Barcelona.

The Potters have signed a number of Barcelona players in the last couple of years and the Staffordshire club is excited about the relationship they have formed with the Catalan giants.

First arrival was Spain U21 defender Marc Muniesa two years ago before playmaker Bojan followed 12 months later, while Moha El Ouriachi and Ibrahim Afellay have joined this summer.

"It certainly makes you smile," Coates tells The Express. "We will embrace it and we are enjoying it but we certainly don't get carried away.

"It has been a nice connection we have had with Barcelona and sometimes one player leads to another. Sometimes you just get a natural alliance. It could be worse!

"The contingent from Barcelona are all very well-adjusted young men.

"Of course, if you have been brought up at Barcelona then you can play."