Stoke City are in the process of signing Jonathan Pitroipa on loan from Rennes, according to Sky Sports. The Burkina Faso international is understood to be heading to England for talks with the Midlands club and is also expected to undergo a medical. The 27-year-old winger has been with Rennes since 2011, and has scored 14 goals for the French side since arriving from Hamburger SV. Stoke, who currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just three points off the relegation zone, are looking to bolster their attacking options and boost their survival hopes. And it is hoped the arrival of Pitroipa will help reverse Mark Hughes's side's fortunes on the pitch between now and the end of the season. Meanwhile, Stoke continue to chase Blackpool winger Tom Ince. Ince has been given permission by the Championship club to hold talks with Premier League sides over a move and has had discussions with Swansea, Crystal Palace and the Potters. Stoke's hierarchy are refusing to rule out making a late bid for the ex-Liverpool winger but may have to sign the 22-year-old permanently. A loan move had originally been touted but the Britannia Stadium club have used up their two domestic loan allocations.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
