Stoke City boss Mark Hughes is chasing Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.

The Sentinel says Hughes now has a vacancy for a Premier League loan signing after agreeing with Liverpool and Oussama Assaidi to cut short his season-long loan.

Dzeko hasn't played since December 10 because of injury, but the 28-year-old Bosnia striker is now close to a comeback.

Hughes wants another face in attack, while City could be open to offers after agreeing a £28m fee with Swansea to sign Wilfried Bony.

Dzeko, who has been at the Etihad Stadium for the past four years, could take some prising away.

But the presence of his Bosnia international colleague Asmir Begovic at the Britannia Stadium, together with the promise of regular football, could enhance Stoke's case.