As Stoke City look ahead to next season with the intention of pushing up the league, Michael O'Neill's side have been credited with an interest in Josh Maja.

The 23-year-old joined Stoke on loan in January for the remainder of the season and went on to make 15 appearances scoring a goal and assisting three times.

However, his contract at parent club Bordeaux runs for another year meaning he's not been the easiest target for the Potters so far.

That being said, the club may have just been handed a big boost in their pursuit to sign him as Bordeaux's financial troubles worsen.

The French side suffered relegation to the second division last season but according to Stoke-on-Trent Live, they could now face relegation to the third tier because of their financial situation.

The club do have time to appeal this decision but it looks likely to happen meaning a Maja departure could also be more likely.

According to the report, the French side are looking to make €22million [£19million] in player sales before the end of June which could therefore see them accept a lower offer than initially expected for the the 23-year-old depending who else they can get off their books in that time.

Doing so would reduce their debt and could secure them a place in the second tier next year rather than the third.

The Verdict: 

It's hard to tell how this one will play out but Bordeaux are under serious financial strain and it seems as though their only way of securing a future is by getting a fair number of players off their books ahead of the new season.

Therefore, their stance on the future of Maja will have significantly changed and they are less likely to put up a fight to keep him as long as they get a reasonable fee for him.

Michael O'Neill has said he would be keen on getting the player back as long as the price is right meaning his side could be on track to get him this summer.