Stoke City are interested in making a move to sign Hearts striker Conor Washington as a potential replacement for Lee Gregory if the striker leaves the club, according to Sun journalist Alan Nixon.

The Potters have been attempting to bring in a new striker throughout the transfer window, but it is thought that they have had an offer turned down for Sam Cosgrove by Aberdeen, and that they are also unlikely to be able to get Lawrence Shankland from Dundee United.

Michael O’Neill’s side could, though, be forced into making a move for another striker before the window shuts, with Gregory being linked with a potential move to Cardiff City, according to the Football Insider, which would leave the Potters a little light of options up front.

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It is thought that they could turn their attentions to Washington, who has been struggling to force his way regularly into Hearts’ starting line-up this season scoring just one goal in eight appearances in the Scottish Premier League.

The verdict

This would be the sort of signing that might be viewed as having been made in the panic that can ensue on transfer Deadline Day, but Washington does have Championship experience and would be able to come straight into the squad and compete for a place in the starting line-up.

That could make him a potentially useful addition to replace Gregory, if the striker does move away from the Bet365 Stadium before the window closes, and the 27-year-old would probably be very much open the chance of moving back to the Championship after a frustrating spell with Hearts.

The striker, though, would need to show more than he has done with Hearts if he was to prove a successful addition for the Potters, but having worked with the 27-year-old with Northern Ireland O’Neill will be aware of the potential Washington has to make a difference up front for his side.

Washington’s career has somewhat stalled since he made the move from Peterborough United to Queens Park Rangers back in 2016, with the forward never really repeating the same type of form he showed for the Posh elsewhere, but O’Neill would be hopeful he could get the best out of him at Stoke.