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Mark Hughes hopeful Marko Arnautovic will sign new Stoke deal

Stoke City's Marko Arnautovic celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the match during the Barclays Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham.
Image: Marko Arnautovic's current Stoke contract runs until June 2017

Mark Hughes wants Marko Arnautovic to commit his future to Stoke City by signing a new contract at the Britannia Stadium.

The Austria winger, who joined Stoke from Werder Bremen in September 2013, has enjoyed a superb start to the season and has played a key role in the Potters' recent upturn in form. 

Stoke have bounced back from enduring their worst start to a Premier League season and have lost just one of their last 10 matches.  

Marko Arnautovic of Stoke City scores his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match v Stoke City and Chelsea at Britannia Stadium
Image: Arnautovic scores Stoke's winning goal against Chelsea

Arnautovic has scored three goals - including the winner in the 1-0 victory against Chelsea - and laid on two assists in his 11 appearances so far this term.

His current contract runs out in June 2017, but Hughes is hoping to secure his long-term future. 

"I'm thinking about it (Arnautovic's contract) and I'm sure Marko is," the Stoke manager said. "We want him to stay."

Arnautovic arrived in England with a bad-boy reputation and was described by Jose Mourinho as having the "attitude of a child" during their time together at Inter Milan.

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The 26-year-old was also suspended by Bremen after being caught speeding by police in the early hours of the morning before a match.

However, Hughes has nothing but kind words to say about Arnautovic.

Mark Hughes gestures Stoke's Capital One Cup victory over Chelsea
Image: Mark Hughes wants to secure Arnautovic to a new long-term deal

"I think his manner and his personality takes people aback initially, but once you get to know him he is very gregarious, he likes people and he likes being around them," he added. 

"He likes a little bit of attention, but that's fine. All the guys love him.

"He's not only a great character, but he's doing well for the team and credit to him.

"The two years he has had here have been good, but there is the potential to have a better year this year if he keeps continuing to play as well as he is."

Another player Hughes does not want to lose is Phil Bardsley, despite the defender making just one league appearance so far this season following the arrival of Glen Johnson in the summer. 

Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal wins a header from Phil Bardsley of Stoke City
Image: Hughes is also keen to keep hold of defender Phil Bardsley

Hughes has been impressed by Bardsley's attitude in training and insists he is not looking to let the 30-year-old leave during the January transfer window.

"I am not really looking to get Phil out," he said.

"It's important that we have that defensive cover, so a loan deal for Phil is not something I am really looking to do."