Mark Hughes unsure of Marko Arnautovic contract

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has admitted that talks over a new contract for Marko Arnautovic have stalled.

The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the club's key players this season, with nine goals in 23 Premier League starts helping the Potters up to eighth in the table.

However, there has been little progress made regarding an improved deal for the Austrian, whose current contract at the club is due to run out at the end of next season.

"That is where it is. It is difficult to get everybody in the same room at the same time," Hughes told reporters.

"It can take a while to sort that out. After one meeting concludes it takes a while to sort another. We are in between meetings at the moment."

Arnautovic reportedly has a £12.5m buy-out clause in his current contract.