Stoke's Mark Hughes keen to keep attracting top players
Thursday 30 April 2015 22:21, UK
Stoke manager Mark Hughes believes the club's improved Premier League form has helped them move into a different bracket in the transfer market.
The Potters recorded their best Premier League finish of ninth last season, with a record points total of 50, and they are currently in the same position on 47 points with four matches remaining.
Hughes feels consistent finishes in the top half of the table will only strengthen their hand when it comes to attracting players to the club.
"I think we are viewed in a different light now anyway. We are working in different markets," he said.
"Players and their agents feel we are a viable option for their clients these days and that is a consequence of having, hopefully, back-to-back top-10 finishes in the Premier League and the type of football we are trying to play.
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"We've got more options and better and different choices than possibly we've had in the past.
"This year we had Victor Moses, we've had other players from Chelsea, Oussama Assaidi from Liverpool, so top clubs know their players can come here and the way we play and train is very similar to what they are exposed to at the top clubs.
"They know there is not that much issue in terms of adaptation when they come here."
We have an injury today to Charlie Adam who unfortunately got a bang on his nose and looks like he has broken his nose.
Hughes revealed midfielder Charlie Adam broke his nose in training on Thursday but is hopeful it will not prevent the Scotland international facing Swansea, the team three points above them in eighth, on Saturday.
"We have an injury today to Charlie Adam who unfortunately got a bang on his nose and looks like he has broken his nose," he added.
"I think he has done it in the past and it is probably where the weakness is. As long as that does not swell up to any consequence and affect his breathing he should be okay.
"He's obviously got a mask from the last time he did it so we are all prepared and hopefully it won't compromise him for the weekend."
The main injury worry for Hughes is defender Geoff Cameron.
"Geoff Cameron has a tightness in his hamstring. He hasn't trained all week but the hope is he will train on Friday," said the Welshman.
