Aston Villa have opened negotiations on a transfer for Glenn Whelan and are expected to return with an improved offer after seeing a bid of £500,000 turned down.
Stoke are willing to sell Whelan but are thought to want closer to £800,000 and the Republic of Ireland international is ready to move.
The arrival of Darren Fletcher to the bet365 Stadium has affected Whelan’s position in the squad and Mark Hughes is preparing to trim numbers.
Steve Bruce is keen to add experience and grit to his midfield and would get that from the 33-year-old, who played 38 games for club and country last season.