Stoke City manager Mark Hughes wants to sign Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend to replace Marko Arnautovic.
The Potters sold Arnautovic to West Ham in a deal worth £25m and Hughes has been told those funds will be available to sign a replacement.
Hughes’ side have endured a tough summer in the transfer window and have only managed to bring in two free transfers and a loan signing thus far.
However, Stoke are ready to make their first major splash of the summer by luring Townsend away from Selhurst Park.
The former England international only joined Palace from Newcastle last summer and made an impressive start under new manager Frank de Boer during their pre-season exerts in the Asia Trophy.
No player attempted more crosses (excluding corners) in the Premier League last season than Townsend (204).
