According to reputable journalist Alan Nixon, Stoke City are keen to end Scott Hogan's loan spell at the bet365 Stadium early.

The 27-year-old signed for Stoke on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa in the summer, but has since endured a difficult spell in Staffordshire.

Despite scoring a brace in only his second league appearance for the club, he has struggled for form in front of goal.

The forward has scored three goals for the Potters but has started only four times in the Championship, making a total of 15 appearances in all competitions.

Hogan has made only three appearances under Michael O'Neill, and with Tyrese Campbell, Sam Vokes and Lee Gregory ahead of him in the pecking order, he now looks set to depart.

Can you get 14 out of 14 on this Stoke quiz?

Nixon claims that, even though Villa aren't interested in recalling Hogan, Stoke can still look to find another club to send him out on loan to, which is called a "sub-contract".

Here, we take a look at what Stoke fans have made of this news...