Stephen Ireland 'agrees new Stoke City deal'

Experienced midfielder Stephen Ireland has reportedly agreed a new contract with Stoke City.

Ireland has not represented Stoke since breaking his leg in training towards the end of the 2015-16 season.

The 31-year-old signed a new contract with the Potters in the summer, but is still struggling to return to fitness.

Ireland had been expected to leave Stoke next month when his current contract expires, but according to ESPN, the midfielder has agreed on a fresh deal until the end of the current campaign.

Ireland came through the youth system at Manchester City before representing the Citizens on 176 occasions between 2005 and 2010.

The former Republic of Ireland international also turned out for Aston Villa and Newcastle United before moving to Stoke, where he has scored six times in 65 appearances in all competitions.