Stoke City are keen to sign Derby County midfielder Tom Huddlestone on loan with a view to a permanent move, according to the Daily Mail.

What's the word?

The Potters do not necessarily need a new central midfielder, but it seems that manager Gary Rowett is keen to get one through the door before next week's transfer deadline.

The Daily Mail recently reported that initial talks have been held between Stoke and Derby regarding a deal for Huddlestone.

The 31-year-old, who has not featured in Frank Lampard's side yet this season, is already known to Rowett having played under him at Pride Park.

Huddlestone was suffering with a hip problem at the start of the season, but has now recovered, which means that he could be brought into the Potters' lineup if a deal goes through.

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Is he the right man?

The midfielder is more than capable of thriving in the holding role at the Bet365 Stadium.

Huddlestone may not play every game, but his experience will certainly be helpful as Stoke try to guide themselves back into the top flight and signing him would prove to be Rowett's best decision of the entire summer.

The midfielder, who won the League Cup with Tottenham Hotspur in 2007-08, has played 139 games in the Championship.

Huddlestone would do a decent job in protecting the back line, and if needs be, he could drop into a centre-back role.

On top of that, the midfielder has already worked with Rowett, which could make the transition seamless.

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