Mark Hughes expects Steven N'Zonzi to join Sevilla

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has said that he expects Steven N'Zonzi to join La Liga club Sevilla.

The Potters reportedly accepted a £7m bid from the Europa League holders for the French midfielder earlier this afternoon, and Hughes has now confirmed that he will be allowed to hold talks with Unai Emery's side.

"Sevilla have obviously shown a huge interest in Steven," Hughes told Sky Sports News. "We worked really hard to persuade him his future lay here but it didn't seem to be enough for him.

"We are probably at a point where we can allow Steven to speak to Sevilla. That will happen in the next 24 hours or so.

"You would imagine at that point if the deal is correct and is what we think it is then the deal would probably be concluded and Steven will join Sevilla. These things are never cut and dried until it actually happens as there are always things which can develop very quickly."

N'Zonzi played in each of Stoke's Premier League matches last season, scoring three goals.