Hughes says Walters wants Burnley move

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes says Ireland international Jon Walters "wants to make the move to Burnley happen".

Burnley have agreed a £3m fee with the Potters to sign Walters, and are prepared to offer the 33-year-old a two-year contract with an option for a third year.

The Liverpool-born striker, who is out of contract at Stoke at the end of next season, will join up with his international colleagues Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick, Kevin Long and Stephen Ward at Turf Moor if the move goes through.

"It seems that maybe Jon could take the option of a move to Burnley," Hughes told the Sentinel.

"I haven't had the opportunity to speak to him about it. I think it's something that maybe he wants to make happen, but irrespective of that, if it falls through we would be more than happy because Jon coming back to the club would be fine.

"Maybe at this point of his career Jon feels that he needs a bit more security in terms of length of contract which maybe we weren't prepared to match what he's got on the table."

The 33-year-old made just 13 Premier League starts for Stoke last season, scoring four goals.

Walters has made 271 appearances for Stoke in all competitions, scoring 62 goals, since his £2.75m move from Ipswich Town in 2010.

He has scored 43 goals in the Premier League, from 226 games, more than any other Stoke player in the history of the competition.

"If he does go, we will look back on his time here with fond memories. He's been a huge part of the success of the club in the Premier League and his contribution will never be underestimated," Hughes continued.

Image: Inpho

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