Hughes predicting Premier League stay for Stoke striker Bony

Mark Hughes believes Wilfried Bony will be at Stoke City in the New Year despite interest from China – although the Potters boss isn’t about to promise the Ivorian a permanent contract at the Bet365 Stadium.

Bony is on a season-long-loan at Stoke from Manchester City and heading into this weekend had netted just twice for the Potters – with both goals coming in the 3-1 win over Swansea at the end of October.

But despite not exactly setting the world alight in the red and white stripes of Stoke, it hasn’t apparently put off clubs in China from mulling over a move for the 27-year-old striker, come January.

Parent club Manchester City have the freedom to sell Bony in the January transfer window should they desire, but Hughes is adamant Bony wants to remain in the Premier League.

“A lot of things have to come to the fore to make that happen, not least that Wilf will want to go himself and I don’t think he will want to,” the Stoke manager said.

“I think he sees himself in the Premier League this year and for years to follow. Moving to other shores is dependent on whether he has the desire to and I don’t anticipate that happening, certainly not in January.

“There seems to be a significant amount of money being banded about, but I would suggest Wilf isn’t short of a few quid.”

Asked about a permenant move for Bony, Hughes added: “We are not thinking along those terms at the moment. We are delighted he’s here until the end of the season, then we will look at it again.”