Stoke City step up Wilfried Bony chase

Stoke City are hopeful of beating the likes of Everton and West Ham United to the services of Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony. The Ivory Coast international has been tipped to leave the Etihad all summer.

The 27-year-old is expected to pursue a fresh challenge before Wednesday's transfer deadline, and this has reignited speculation over his future.

Sky Sports News says Potters boss Mark Hughes will propose to pay the player's &90,000-a-week wages in full in a bid to loan him to the Bet365 Stadium.

Bony, who joined the Citizens from Swansea City in January 2015, has struggled to earn any playing time under new coach Pep Guardiola.

He is currently behind the likes of Sergio Aguero and Kelechi Iheanacho for the lone role upfront whilst summer signing Nolito could be deployed in the position if required.