Stoke City defender Moritz Bauer could sign off his career at the bet365 Stadium this summer.

That, at least, is according to the Stoke Sentinel, who claim the 27-year-old Austrian is ready to pack his bags and opt for a move elsewhere.

Bauer has been left to cut a forlorn figure at the Potters since his move to the club in January 2018.

He made 15 appearances for the team in the Premier League before their relegation to the Championship.

Since slipping down to the second tier, he has managed just six matches under two different managers this season, first Gary Rowett before Nathan Jones took control in January.

Bauer even managed a new five-year deal in the midst of relegation as Stoke outlined their promotion objective ahead of this season.

Having not seen eye to eye with Rowett he was given a second chance by Jones but has now become bench fodder and has hardly been able to get a run in the side.

And that has led the defender to consider his future in the close season, and look to escape the bet365 in order to secure regular first-team football.

The verdict

This is something that Bauer must do – leaving Stoke is a no-brainer.

He is not getting game time, and it has been under to different managers his chances have been limited.

It’s some sort of Stoke purgatory for the 27-year-old who has four-years left on his current deal but has no hope of a future at the club.

It’s best for all parties if he leaves in the summer, whatever the cost, even if it is just to get him off the books.