Stoke have entered talks to sign Scott Hogan from Aston Villa, report the Daily Mail.

The Potters are interested in a season-long loan deal, which could be entertained by Villa considering he was surplus to requirements last season - when they were playing in a lower division.

Nathan Jones may be looking to add more firepower to his side after defeat by QPR at the weekend, although he has already brought in Lee Gregory this summer, and fellow striker Tyrese Campbell has impressed in pre-season.

Hogan has struggled to find form himself of late, and will likely be keen to move away from Villa Park where he has endured a tough spell, scoring just 10 goals in 61 matches since his £12m arrival.

He joined Sheffield United on loan in January and despite playing for a top side he scored just twice in eight games, but did enough to generate interest from Stoke, Bristol City and West Brom.

The 27-year-old still has two years remaining on his contract so there is a possibility that he could force his way back into Dean Smith's plans, but first he will have to rediscover his goalscoring form and Stoke seems like an option available for him to do that.

The Verdict

Stoke already have numerous attacking options so Hogan arriving would likely sideline one or two at the club, and it would be disappointing if it is the prospect Campbell who suffers as a result, as he has shown he has plenty to offer.

The benefit of this signing is that Hogan offers something different to Sam Vokes, Benik Afobe and Lee Gregory, all of whom are good in the air and try to bully defenders.

Hogan is a much more intelligent player and his movement suits the style of play Jones is trying to implement, which thus far hasn't worked with his current set of strikers.

It is important Hogan stays fit, if he manages that he should work well with a target man alongside him, and he could be the poacher Stoke have been missing for a while.