Stoke keen on permanent deal for Derby goalkeeper Lee Grant

Mark Hughes has confirmed Stoke are speaking to Derby about a permanent deal for on-loan goalkeeper Lee Grant.

Grant has excelled since moving to the bet365 Stadium in the summer, going from third in line at Derby in the Championship to first choice in the Premier League.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Arsenal, Hughes said he had been delighted by Grant's impact in the absence of the injured Jack Butland. 

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"We would like him to stay. He's done exceptionally well, we are delighted he's been able to do that," he said.

"It's not easy when you come into a new club. It was a shot to nothing for him. He thought it was a good opportunity and he's grabbed it with both hands - literally.

"I think, as we speak, we are talking to Derby and we would like something to happen."

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Hughes accepts Derby might be tempted to cash in on Grant's form by asking for more money in the January window.

"Maybe Derby recognise it might be a deal that's a bit more advantageous than three or four months ago," he added. "That's understandable to a certain extent. We know the value for us and it has to be the right deal. Hopefully we will get it done."

Grant's chance has been extended because of Butland's continued battle with injury.

Butland has not played for Stoke since March after suffering a fractured ankle in England's 3-2 friendly win in Germany and the 23-year-old was forced to undergo another operation after damaging scar tissue around the initial injury in training in August.

He resumed training and looked on track to return to the squad but withdrew from an U23 game at Reading last Friday following a twinge.

"There's no long-term concern," added Hughes. "We are a little frustrated because we've had a couple of setbacks and Jack obviously wants to get back as soon as possible.

"It's important not to push too hard too soon. We had lined up a game for him and he wasn't able to take part, which was a disappointment, but he did the right thing after feeling discomfort.

"We are not taking any chances with Jack at the moment. Any issues, we stop very quickly and find out what's going on. That's what we did and we now build up to trying to get game time again."

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