Grant hopes for Stoke resolution

Lee Grant is keen to stay at Stoke beyond the end of his loan deal and has urged his parent club Derby County to come to an agreement with the Premier League side.

Grant joined Stoke on loan at the start of the season to provide cover for the injured Jack Butland and manager Mark Hughes would welcome the opportunity to sign him on a permanent deal.

The loan deal is due to expire on January 3 but Grant is eager to stay with the Potters and is hoping the two clubs can reach an agreement.

"My understanding of things is that there has been a fair offer made and it has been turned down by my own club," he told Stoke Sentinel.

"Unfortunately there is not a lot more I can say or do about it, especially when you have important and difficult fixtures ahead to concentrate on.

"Clubs can make it difficult and it seems like that's the case currently."

Hughes has warned that Stoke will not be held to ransom over the goalkeeper and Grant is hopeful that Derby will reward his long service by allowing him to join Stoke on a permanent deal.

He went on: "I've made it clear, and Stoke have made their intentions clear, and the hope is that some agreement will be reached before my loan is up. I've had 12 years at the football club and I have loved almost every minute of that.

"I've had some interesting times over the last 18 months, but that doesn't take away the fact that I have a strong affinity with the football club.

"I've given good service and you hope that stands you in good stead in these type of situations."

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