Stoke City have signed Sweden striker John Guidetti on loan from Manchester City for the rest of the season after making midfielder Stephen Ireland's spell at the Britannia Stadium permanent. Premier League rules only allow for two loan players to be in a club squad, so Potters boss Mark Hughes moved quickly for Guidetti once Ireland moved from Aston Villa. Guidetti, 21, has one cap for Sweden but has struggled at the Etihad to make an impact because of stellar attacking options available to Manuel Pellegrini and his own injury problems. During the 2011-12 campaign, he scored 20 goals in 23 Eredivisie games on loan at Dutch heavyweights Feyenoord. Of Guidetti, Hughes said to Stoke's official website:
"We wanted to try and add different options to our attacking threat and John will certainly do that. He's someone who if you get him in the right areas will make the most of opportunities that come his way because he's a natural goal-scorer. "There were several clubs who were interested in taking him on loan and we're delighted that he has chosen to join us."
Attacking midfielder Ireland, 27, meanwhile has made 16 appearances in all competitions for the Potters this term, scoring three times. Hughes, who managed the player when he was in charge at Manchester City, added:
"Stephen is a talented footballer and has shown what he's capable of since he joined us. We're delighted to have made his switch a permanent arrangement."
Stoke sit twelfth in the Premier League table, four points above the relegation zone having picked up a solitary point from the last dozen on offer. Ireland vies with Scotland's Charlie Adam from the advanced midfield berth behind the striker. Guidetti meanwhile will compete with Peter Crouch and Kenwyne Jones for the centre forward spot.
Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.
