Stoke City midfielder Ibrahima Sy is attracting a great deal of interest from European sides ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report from French news outlet Foot Mercato.

It is understood that Niort and Nancy are both keeping tabs on the 19-year-old whilst several unnamed Italian teams are also tracking the midfielder's situation at the bet365 Stadium.

Sy joined Stoke's youth academy in 2020 following a stint with Stade Reims and has since gone on to feature regularly for the club's Under-23 side.

After making seven appearances in the Premier League 2 Division 2 last season, the midfielder has been utilised on 11 occasions by the Potters at this level during the current campaign.

Yet to make a senior appearance for Stoke, Sy is currently behind the likes of Joe Allen, Sam Clucas and Mario Vrancic in the pecking order.

When you consider that the Potters are currently fighting for a play-off place in the Championship, the midfielder may find it difficult to force his way into the club's starting eleven in the New Year if he stays.

Sy's current deal at Stoke is set to run until 2023 and thus any potential suitor will need to submit a reasonable bid for him in order to seal a permanent deal next month.

The Verdict

Whilst the Potters should not be looking into the possibility of selling a player who has yet to be given a chance to prove his worth at senior level, they may find it beneficial to sanction a temporary exit for Sy in January.

By joining a club who are willing to offer him the opportunity to play week-in, week-out at senior level, the midfielder could make considerable strides in terms of his development.

Stoke may then be able to turn to him for inspiration next season as he will be a much more accomplished player.

The Potters may end up thriving in Sy's absence in the coming months as they have already shown this season that they are capable of producing some fantastic performances in the Championship under the guidance of manager Michael O'Neil.