Potters aim to sculpt stronger squad after Butland extension

Hughes has continued to thrive in the lottery of the transfer market during his managerial career, having been able to attract gifted players from around Europe, with the respect he has earned from his high-profile playing career at the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Bojan was a gem secured by Hughes’ crafty business-like talents and in the market plus an extensive network of contacts, and he will look to continue that keen eye for a deal this summer.

Stoke’s current set-up could use a boost in central attacking players, with Bojan carrying most of the goalscoring burden before his season-ending injury, and Stephen Ireland injecting his side with the majority of creativity.

A potentially perfect signing could be that of Barcelona outcast Ibrahim Afellay, who is enduring a run of lacklustre loan spells, which are drawing a halt to his possibly bright Nou Camp career.

Hughes could rescue Afellay from his slump, as the Dutchman currently plys his trade on loan at Olympiacos, with his contract set to expire this summer, and an option of a further two-year extension seemingly an unflattering offer for the 28-year-old.

In order to make the right acquisitions though, Stoke need to sell, with the likes of Charlie Adam and Wilson Palacios likely to leave, and Victor Moses’ substantial price-tag a probable stumbling block towards any permanent deal.

Defensive incomers are a must too, with Philipp Wollscheid’s loan spell also drawing to an end, and Ryan Shawcross needing a new long-term central partner. Hughes is fond of German centre backs, having also had Robert Huth at the club before, so a Bundesliga swoop could be in his thinking this year.

The Potters looked to have captured a second successive top 10 finish this term, and are 11/10 favourites to overcome Crystal Palace in their next domestic league outing.