Stoke City are now on the verge of signing Nick Powell after he rejected a contract offer from Celtic, according to TEAMtalk.

TEAMtalk reported that Stoke were favourites for Powell's signature, after beating challenges from the likes of Brighton, Burnley and Newcastle.

Powell's contract is due to expire at the end of the month, and it is likely that he will make the move to Nathan Jones' Stoke ahead of the new season.

The 25-year-old will be missed by Wigan. He has played 99 times for the Latics in three years since joining permanently, providing 29 goals and 15 assists in that spell, which has helped to revive his career after a disappointing spell at Manchester United saw him make only nine appearances at Old Trafford.

Stoke are looking to strengthen their midfield after a disappointing campaign last season which saw them finish 16th with just 11 wins in the Championship.

Nathan Jones now has the opportunity to begin moulding this team into what he wants. Powell could be the first step in a big summer of change in the Potteries.

The Verdict

Nick Powell is a real signal of intent from Stoke. He is a quality Championship midfielder who knows how to find the net and he contributes a great deal in build-up play and providing his team-mates with assists.

Stoke and Nathan Jones have a lot of rebuilding to do in order to get Stoke back up the table. Powell is a great signing but he will need better quality team-mates to get the best out of him. Nevertheless, it is still  real coup for Stoke to beat Celtic and a number of other Premier League clubs to his signature.