Stoke City could be on the verge of making their first signing of the summer, with the Stoke Sentinel reporting they are leading the race for Matthew Pennington.

The Everton academy product has featured seven times for the Merseyside club, but has failed to make his name a permanent fixture in the first team squad.

That has led him to go out on loan on five occasions, and it is not yet clear if a similar deal will be struck to take him to Stoke.

The defender has two years remaining on his contract, so would cost a fee to bring him in permanently. He would add to a good array of defensive talent already at the club, with experienced defenders Ryan Shawcross, Bruno Martins Indi and Danny Batth all options.

He spent last season on loan at Ipswich, and did well in a struggling side, making 31 appearances in total. However, he will have to up his game next year if he is to help Stoke challenge for promotion.

Here, our writers have their say on whether he'd be a good signing for Stoke..

George Brooks

“This would be a good signing for Stoke.

“Pennington is a good defender and was one of the standout players for Ipswich last season.

“He’s been out on loan a few times and has plenty of experience in the EFL, so he should be able to make an impact at Stoke.

“The defender is unlikely to get a chance in the first-team at Everton, so a move to another club would make sense and perhaps Stoke would be a good option for him.”

Jacob Potter

"This would be a really good signing.

"Pennington knows the Championship well and he's exactly the type of player Stoke need heading into next season.

"Stoke have too many players that think they're above the level they're currently at and Pennington would do a good job for the Potters. "

Toby Wilding

"This may not be a bad move for Stoke.

"I can't see Pennington being a regular at the bet365 Stadium, but he would provide a decent alternative with Championship experience should Stoke need it.

"He does have two years remaining on his contract at Everton despite never really getting his chance, so it could be telling either way by just how willing they are to let him go."