Mark Hughes: 'Departures are likely'

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has admitted that he expects players to depart the club this summer.

The Potters have already signed three players in the off-season, with Mame Biram Diouf, Steve Sidwell and Phil Bardsley all arriving.

Hughes has denied claims that there will be a fire sale, but expects some players to seek pastures new.

"It's a balance," he told the Stoke Sentinel.

"Sometimes players recognise where they are in the group and make the decision themselves that they need to move on to progress their career.

"Some will have those conversations with their people and with their families. I don't anticipate a lot of players leaving but some will feel their futures lie elsewhere."

Stoke currently have a squad of 27 first-team players.