Stoke City stopper Lee Grant is currently due to return to Derby County in January.
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has told the Daily Mirror that he wants to sign Derby County stopper Lee Grant on a permanent basis.
Grant’s loan spell at Stoke is currently due to expire in January, but Hughes does not want him to return to his parent club.
Instead, the Potters boss is keen to keep Grant at the Bet365 Stadium for the long-term.
He said: “We’re very happy with what he’s producing and, if everything aligned, we’ll Lee keep at the club.”
Grant was initially brought in as cover for Stoke, with Shay Given starting the season in goal.
Given was handed a run of games with Jack Butland sidelined with injury, but he made a series of errors and Grant was given a chance.
The Derby loanee has not looked back since, and his performance against Manchester United was particularly memorable.
Derby are unlikely to stand in Grant’s way, if Stoke do submit an offer in the January transfer window, as the stopper appears to have little future at the iPro Stadium.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
