Stephen Ireland's chapter at Aston Villa looks to be drawing to a close as his parent club push for a deal with Stoke City to be signed.
The midfielder is out of contract at Villa in the summer but Stoke have already taken over this deal until the end of the season.
The Republic of Ireland international's wages cost Villa around £55,000 a week and the Birmingham side will be hoping to free up this money by offloading Ireland to Stoke.
Villa brought Ireland back in 2010 for £8 million from Manchester City, but it looks as though the 27-year-old will be joining The Potters on a free transfer.
Mark Hughes will be hoping to put the deal through as fast as possible to make room for the loan signing of striker John Guidetti from Man City.
The midfielder has had a good start to his spell at The Britannia Stadium, netting two goals in 12 appearances.
Source: DSG
