The 23-year-old Porto man is set for a deadline day switch
Stoke City have reignited their interest in Porto’s 23-year-old defensive midfielder Giannelli Imbula, after the deal appeared to be over.
Potters boss Mark Hughes was hopeful that a club record transfer would be completed before the window slams shut at 11pm, with an £18 million understood to have been offered.
Imbula only joined Porto back in July for £15 million from Marseille, and while the former France Under-21 impressed Hughes during a pre-season fixture, the Frenchman has continued to shine for the Portuguese giants during this campaign.
A deal seemed to be over, as the Potters continue to look for a replacement for Steven N’Zonzi, who joined Sevilla for £7 million last summer, but Porto are understood to have lowered their demands.
Both the transfer fee and Imbula’s wage demands were initially a stumbling block, but the club have been persuaded to reignite negotiations in a bid to bolster the defensive side of their game.
Landmark
It would represent a new landmark under Mark Hughes, who has brought a more attractive passing style of play to the Britannia Stadium, with another big signing arriving at Stoke.
The Potters have agreed to a 15% sell-on clause in the deal, while Imbula was reportedly still in Portugal on Monday morning.
Earlier in the day, Hughes announced: “Talks have been progressing. Hopefully by the end of the day we’ll be able to announce something.”
Imbula has made 19 appearances in all competitions for Porto this season
