' MARK HUGHES '

MARK HUGHES WANTS TO KEEP WALTERS

Mark Hughes hopes to keep Jon Walters at Stoke after the striker's future appeared to be in doubt during the transfer window.

The 31-year-old is into the final 12 months of his contract and it is reported the Potters are unwilling to offer him the new two-year deal he wants.

But Hughes has said today: "We want Jon to stay. There is a club view in terms of the length of the contract but from a football perspective I want him here.

"He will be involved in the game on Saturday. He is a good pro and he has got his head down and done well for Ireland. There was no change in his attitude today, as I expected there wouldn't be."