Stoke have identified Schalke striker Eric Choupo-Moting as their prime January target, reports the Sunday Mirror.
The Potters could be left short of attacking options in the New Year if a clause in Wilfried Bony’s contract is triggered.
The Ivorian, on loan from Manchester City, could be on his way to the Chinese Super League should a team from the far east make a move for Bony.
His exit means the Potters would need to strengthen in attack, with Cameroon international Choupo-Moting topping Mark Hughes’ most-wanted list.
The 27-year-old’s goalscoring record isn’t great, but he is comfortable leading the line and capable of pulling to the flanks.
Choupo-Moting could sign a pre-contractual agreement in January to move to the Bet365 Stadium at the end of the season, with the Schalke man’s current deal expiring in June, though if Bony departs for pastures new, Stoke may pay to bring him to England sooner than the summer.
The attacker has netted three goals and registered two assists in the Bundesliga this season to return a WhoScored rating of 7.00.
For more stats on Eric Choupo-Moting, click here to view his WhoScored player page
