VVV Venlo admit Stoke City are pushing to land Nigerian striker Michael Uchebo.

Venlo technical director Mario Captein admits Stoke are seeking talks with Uchebo, 21, ahead of the January market.

"They want to talk with Michael," he told Voetbal International.

"Clubs always want to talk to a player before they buy him. It's normal. It at least shows Stoke is very serious."

The Potters would seek to sign Uchebo before loaning him back to Venlo while they wait for the youngster to quality for a UK work permit.