Mark Hughes content with Stoke squad ahead of transfer window

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes will not be rushing into the transfer market in the January window.

Hughes says he is happy with his squad which contains one of the tightest defences in the Premier League, while the attacking trio of Marko Arnautovic, Bojan Krkic and Xherdan Shaqiri carry a considerable threat.

An indifferent start to the campaign and a draw and a defeat in their last two games leaves the Potters down in 11th place in the table, although they are just six points off fourth place.

Hughes said: "We have got a few ideas but whether they lead to anything significant we will have to wait and see.

"I don't think there is any urgency from our part to address any issues in the team. I think we are fine at the moment. The squad is strong. We have got players coming back from injuries as well.

"If there are opportunities and the right players are available we will have conversations with people you need to have conversations with and we will see where that takes us. If we don't do anything this January we will just keep our powder dry and wait for the summer."

Hughes is also relaxed about the possibility of other clubs attempting to move in on any of his players.

The Welshman, whose side host his former club Manchester United on Boxing Day, said: "We wouldn't encourage it but I don't think there will be.

Live Ford Football Special

"There is always speculation about good players, everyone in football understands that. Everyone in football will have interest in the good players they have and other teams will covet those good players.

"We are not the only ones that will have speculation about their players but at the moment we are a strong unit, a strong squad. We are enjoying what we are doing and we are quite comfortable."

Hughes is hoping some business will be done in the coming weeks, however, as defender Erik Pieters and striker Arnautovic consider new contract offers.

Hughes said: "There may be a little bit of progress with Erik Pieters and I know Marko's people have been in and conversations are going on. Hopefully we will have some announcements pretty soon."