Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is hoping Stephen Ireland signs a new contract with the club.
The 27-year old Irish midfielder joined the Potters on loan from Aston Villa last year before joining permanently in January and has starred for Hughes ever since.
Ireland, who was ineligible to play against Villa on Sunday, is out of contract this summer but Hughes wants him to commit to Stoke as soon as possible.
"We are very hopeful that something is going to be concluded very quickly," Hughes said.
"He was really disappointed he couldn't take part today but we hope it will be concluded.
"Stephen needs stability in his career.
"He hasn't had that for whatever reason and now he will at a club where he will be settled and have the impact his ability is able to have on a team."
