Stoke City could reportedly name Mark Hughes as their new manager later this week after holding further positive talks with the Welshman last weekend.
Hughes is thought to have convinced Stoke chairman Peter Coates that he can take the club forward and be an effective alternative to former boss Tony Pulis.
After impressing the board at the Britannia Stadium, Hughes could be confirmed as Stoke boss on a rolling 12-month deal within the next 48 hours, according to The Mirror.
Following the exit of Pulis, the Potters currently have no first-team coaches on their staff, with Gerry Francis, Mark O'Connor and Adrian Pennock all following the long-serving coach in leaving the club last Tuesday.
Hughes will be allowed to bring his own assistants to the club but will still be expected to form a healthy working relationship with technical director Mark Cartwright, who was appointed last year.
A swift return to Premier League management for Hughes may prove a surprise to Stoke fans following his disappointing spell at previous club Queens Park Rangers, which ended in his dismissal midway through last season.
Liam Power
