The Potters have struggled to find a consistent goal-scorer this season so Mark Hughes could delve into the market in the New Year.
Stoke City have joined a number of their Premier League counterparts in the battle for the signature of Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini, Football Italia reports.
The Italian international is currently high on the wishlists of a number of English clubs although he has been struggling for form or game time at the Serie A giants this season despite the departure of Gonzalo Higuain and a long-term injury to replacement Arkadiusz Milik.
Gabbiadini did offer some encouragement when leading the line in Napoli’s excellent 3-0 win against Inter on Friday, impressing with his hold-up play albeit spurning a number of decent opportunities by driving his shots straight at visiting goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.
However, that does not appear to have changed Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri’s opinion of the 25-year-old, whose agent said last week that a move to a different league could be on the agenda in January.
And Football Italia claim that Stoke have emerged as favourites to sign a striker who is also on the radar of Everton and West Ham United, although his £20 million price tag could prove something of a sticking point.
The Potters looked to have their centre-forward position more than nailed down when Wilfried Bony arrived on loan from Manchester City in the summer, though the Ivorian has netted just twice in nine Premier League appearances.
Consequently, a new goal-scorer could be on the radar of Mark Hughes as he looks to secure a top half finish for the fourth season in succession.
A move to the Bet365 Stadium would also be another huge blow to Everton, who have failed to attract a number of their main transfer targets since majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri took over and installed Steve Walsh as director of football.
The decisions of Lucas Perez and Moussa Sissoko to join Champions League playing sides was understandable but, if The Toffees lose out to Stoke in the transfer market, huge questions will be forthcoming.
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