Stoke manager hints Moses may go to Chelsea

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has hinted that Victor Moses may be in Chelsea’s plans for the upcoming Premier League season after his club were unable to extend his stay at the Britannia Stadium.

The Nigeria international winger netted four goals in 23 appearances while on loan at Stoke last season and there were suggestions he could be part of a deal to take Asmir Begovic to Stamford Bridge for the 2015/16 campaign.

However, the Bosnian goalkeeper joined the Blues this week with Dutch midfielder Marco Van Ginkel going to Stoke on loan, while the future of Moses, who has not played a competitive game for Chelsea since the return of manager Jose Mourinho two years ago, was left unclear.

According to Hughes, that could be because the 24-year-old has been given another opportunity to shine at the club that he joined three seasons ago from Wigan.

“I think Chelsea have taken a view on Victor,” said the Welshman, who is in Singapore with Stoke for the Barclays Asia Trophy.

“What they’re thinking, I think, is that they would possibly like to keep him although if they go into the market again, they could change that idea.

“Victor obviously came to us last year and did exceptionally well for us. There were a couple of injuries that hampered him unfortunately but he showed enough in his time with us that it made Chelsea very aware of the talent they have and what Victor can offer so it could be that he now plays a part for Chelsea this year.”

Stoke face Everton on Wednesday in their opening game of the competition and Hughes is looking forward to testing his side against Premier League rivals in their first match of the pre-season.

“It hasn’t happened on too many occasions that Stoke have travelled and played Premier League opposition at this time of the year,” said the Stoke boss.

“So it’s something new for us and something we can benefit from because the quality of the opposition is high and it will bring up to speed a lot quicker than usual.

“The fact that there’s a trophy on offer as well, that will always get the competitive juices going. So we’ll react to that and be stimulated by that.”

While it is a pre-season competition, Everton manager Roberto Martinez expects plenty of commitment from both teams despite the unfamiliar tropical conditions.

“Both teams can be really strong on the ball and be very dynamic so I expect a really tough game and it will be interesting how we can adapt to the conditions,” said the Spaniard.

“The humidity and heat is quite different from what we are used to so it will be interesting to face an opposition that we know so well in such different conditions.

“Pre-season is not about winning, it’s about getting the physical aspects that you need, individually and as a team, but it is something different when you come to a tournament like this which brings an extra excitement and an extra spice. They are pre-season games but you are part of a prestigious tournament and you want to win.”