Stoke transfer news: Mark Hughes determined to keep ex-Barcelona star Bojan Krkic amid Middlesbrough’s mounting interest
Potters boss admits forward is frustrated with lack of action but wants ace to stay
STOKE boss Mark Hughes is determined to keep ex-Barcelona star Bojan Krkic amid Middlesbrough’s mounting interest.
The attacker has only played 11 matches for the Potters this season and is believed to be wanting a move from the club this month.
That has alerted Boro boss Aitor Karanka, who earlier revealed his intention to bring another winger to the Riverside.
Hughes admitted on Friday that he had held talks with the Spanish international’s representatives about his lack of match action, but insists he wants the ace to stay at Stoke.
Hughes said: "From my point of view, yes, he's a bit frustrated as he hasn't had as many starts as he feels he needs.
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"But I've (spoken) to his advisors, we had a long conversation as they wanted to know the situation.
"It's clear from my situation - we've lost three attack-minded players to the African Cup of Nations, so there's going to be more opportunities for Bojan from this point onwards. Then it's up to him to take those opportunities.
"But he's still a big part in my thinking, in terms of what we're trying to do here."
Hughes added: "All he wants is more game-time which all players want, to play week-in, week-out.
"Sometimes it's not possible, sometimes you can't get all the good players you have into the team as the balance would be wrong.
"So it's about him being a bit more patient, I'd suggest, but I'm sure he'll get more game-time in the next few weeks."
Karanka is determined to continue adding to his forward line this month after the arrival of striker Rudy Gestede from Aston Villa.
When quizzed whether he hopes to bring more players in, he said: “I hope.
“We need to improve the attacking positions, and maybe the wings.”