Stoke City have stepped up their interest in former Manchester United striker Mama Biram Diouf, according to the Daily Express. 

New manager Mark Hughes is desperate to add more firepower to his Stoke City side ahead of the start of the new season, and has identified the Hannover striker as the man to lead his front line.

Stoke are in the market for a new striker, following Michael Owen's retirement at the end of last season, while rumours of a move away for Peter Crouch will not go away.

However, the club are yet to meet the asking price of £7million for the forward, with the Bundesliga outfit telling Hughes to return with an improved offer.

The Senegalese forward enjoyed a hugely impressive season in Germany, ending with a record of a goal every two matches, including strikes against Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

The 25-year-old is understood to be keen on making a return to England, after he failed to prove himself at Manchester United last time around.

The forward made only five Premier League appearances over three years at Old Trafford, scoring just once in the process, while also managing just three goals in 26 appearances during a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.

His form since has been enough to impress Hughes however, who is desperate to add another new face to join previous summer signings Erik Pieters and Marc Muniesa.

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