Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that the club are keen to sign the midfielder Stephen Ireland on a permanent basis. The Irishman is currently on loan from Aston Villa till the end of the season. However, his Aston Villa contract comes to an end this season and it seems that Paul Lambert is not keen to renew his deal after having fallen out with the midfielder. He has been rejuvenated under Hughes this campaign after having played with him at Manchester City. Now, the club are looking to make Ireland their major signing in the summer.