STOKE CITY are ready to take a big hit on £18million flop Kevin Wimmer to get him off the books.
Austrian defender Wimmer only joined from Tottenham last summer but his move to the bet 365 Stadium has been a disaster.
The Daily Telegraph says that the 25-year-old, who has not played under Paul Lambert, has been training with the under-23s after being placed on a special fitness regime.
His last first-team appearance acme in January’s 3-0 Premier League loss at Manchester United, having also played the previous game that saw the relegated Potters knocked out of the FA Cup by Division Two Coventry City.
A number of Bundesliga clubs are thought to be interested in Wimmer – but not at £18m.
His signing is seen as one of three disastrous ones from the last two years, along with £12m Saido Berahino and record £18.3m buy Giannelli Imbula.
It is understood the Stoke board was reluctant to pay such a huge fee but Hughes was convinced Wimmer would prove an outstanding signing.
Anything but.
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Now Stoke are in the Championship they face losing a number of key players assets.
They include England goalkeeper Jack Butland, Joe Allen, Xherdan Shaqiri and Badou Ndiaye.
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Hughes, having as good as saved Southampton from the drop, has responded to the Stoke statement issued on Tuesday, which admitted the club could have sacked him earlier in the season.
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He said: “I don’t need to go there really, if I’m honest. People have an opinion.
“I’m not without blame but maybe people need to look closer to home at times.”
Stoke play their final Premier League for the time being at fellow relegated club Swansea on Sunday.
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