Stoke confirms interest in Agudelo

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed his interest in signing United States men's national team foward Juan Agudelo.

The Potters have been strongly linked with a move for the 20-year-old striker in recent weeks and now Hughes has confirmed he is looking to land the player.

"We are hopeful of progressing that," Hughes is quoted by The Sentinel. "There seems to be a willingness from most sides. He's a good young player and we feel he's got potential and we would like that to happen."

Agudelo is out of contract in December and reports in the United States claim that he has already penned a pre-contract with Stoke. Agudelo has hinted a future move to the Premier League by telling the Boston Globe, "right now I'm focused on playing with the Revolution, but, I mean, everyone knows what I signed."

The Colombian-born forward has scored twice in 17 appearances for the United States men's national team. Hughes is hopeful of bringing in further reinforcements before the start of the season and reports in Germany claim that Stoke are in Germany to hold talks with Hannover over long-term target Mame Biram Diouf.

“We are aware of the stories circulating about Juan Agudelo, but as we’re sure you can understand, we cannot address anything publicly unless an official announcement has been made," the New England Revolution said in a statement. "But we can state that Juan is near full health and due back to the squad soon to help us as we push toward the playoffs the last three months of the season.”