Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Mark Hughes admits Stoke are close to signing Barcelona youngster Moha El Ouriachi
STOKE boss Mark Hughes says he is on the verge of completing the signing of Barcelona's Moha El Ouriachi.
Mark Hughes says Moha El Ouriachi ticks all the boxes
It will be Sparky's third arrival from the Spanish giants following Marc Muniesa and Bojan.
But Hughes insists the 19-year-old will not go straight into the first team squad.
"There is hope we will be able to conclude that deal," he said. "We're trying to prove the quality of the Under 21 group.
"He's a good young player and we will try and pursue that one. We are very hopeful.
"He will be pushing to try and get into the main squad, we need more pushing from young players and are actively in the marking.
He's predominately left footed, good ability, good pace and ticks a lot of the boxes
"He's predominately left footed, good ability, good pace and ticks a lot of the boxes.
"Right through the age groups we're looking to increase the quality. We're quite hopeful we can get him and push him towards the first team.
"He's not one that will go straight into my team but hopefully that will happen in time."
Stoke may have problems at left back for Saturday's home game with Southampton. Marc Muniesa is definitely out while Erik Pieters and Marc Wilson are doubts.