Hughes hopeful Arnautovic and Pieters will sign new Stoke deals

Mark Hughes says Stoke City remain in talks with Marko Arnautovic and Erik Pieters over new deals at the Britannia Stadium.

Arnautovic has become a key figure at the Potters since joining from Werder Bremen in 2013, scoring in victories over Chelsea and Manchester City this season.

Left-back Pieters, meanwhile, has started every Premier League match for Stoke this season.

“We are still talking to them both and hopefully we will be able to come to a conclusion,” Hughes said.

“We have made progress with Erik so hopefully we can get that sorted out sooner rather than later.”

Having signed a host of eye-catching names over the previous two seasons, such as Bojan Krkic and Xherdan Shaqiri, Hughes admits Stoke are unlikely to do much business in the January transfer window.

“We will certainly have a look at who is out there but there is certainly no urgency on our part to get anything done,” he added.

“I have a good quality, healthy squad at my disposal so I don’t foresee anything too drastic.

“Of course, if something crops up which is attractive to us then we will look to act, but it has to be somebody who will enhance us. We are looking now and we will have further discussions in the coming weeks I am sure.”

The Potters host Manchester United – who Hughes made his name with as a player – on Saturday, where all the focus will be on Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman is under intense pressure and his job is potentially on the line, but his opposite number has some sympathy for the situation at Old Trafford.

“They are a huge club and they have a very good squad of players there,” he said.

“Manchester United will know themselves that they are in a period of transition and are in a different cycle now.

“Things are changing and sometimes things can take a while before you become successful again. We are certainly taking nothing for granted because we are fully aware as to how difficult a challenge they will pose to us on Boxing Day.

“I am looking forward to the game though, it is a great fixture for Boxing Day.”