Stoke City step up Van Persie chase

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is keen to bring Robin van Persie back to the Premier League, and is set to step up his efforts to sign the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker this week, according to reports.

The Mirror is reporting that Hughes is ready to accelerate his efforts to sign van Persie from Fenerbahce, as he looks to add more fire power to his attacking options.

Van Persie is thought to be keen on a return to the Premier League having left Manchester United to join Fenerbahce last summer.

The 32-year-old striker scored 22 goals in all competitions last season as he helped the Turkish side reach the Champions League qualifiers.

Van Persie joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004 and went on to score 96 league goals in 194 appearances for the Gunners, and even captained the team towards the end of his spell at the Emirates stadium.

In 2012, the Dutchman made a controversial £24 million switch to Manchester United, and scored 30 goals in his debut season to fire the Old Trafford club to their twentieth league title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season as manager.

Van Persie is also the Netherlands' all time highest goal scorer, with 50 goals in 101 caps.

Stoke are also interested in signing Saido Berahino from West Bromich Albion. The young English striker could cost in excess of £20 million.