Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes has expressed his desire to retain the services of Bruno Martins-Indi.

The Porto defender spent last season on loan at the bet365 stadium and managed to make an impressive 37 appearances for the club.

Discussions are ongoing with the Portuguese club over a permanent deal, however, Scholes has admitted it is tough.

"Once you start introducing other parties into it, you have to take into account those other parties' position as well," Scholes told the Stoke Sentinel.

"So it's not just us, Bruno and Bruno's agent, there's the other club as well. Things have to fall into place and everything has to fall into place before a deal is done.

"But absolutely hopeful. Bruno has been a good player for us, but we will have to see."