Stoke City are planning a swoop for Willem II playmaker Ali Messaoud.

Messaoud is set to become a free agent upon the expiration of his current contract at Dutch club Willem II this summer and a host of clubs have been lining up a move for the attacking midfielder.

The likes of Swansea City, Nottingham Forest and Burnley are said to be courting Messaoud's services and now according to the Stoke Sentinel, even Stoke have joined the race for the 24-year old.

Messaoud has previously expressed his desire to play in a bigger league saying: "Playing time is the most important thing for me. But I prefer to take a step at as high a level as possible. Getting better is the priority."