Stoke City have reportedly edged a step closer to agreeing a deal to sign Oussama Assaidi from Liverpool.
Assaidi spent last season on loan at Stoke, and his performances at the Britannia Stadium were enough to encourage Mark Hughes to pursue the possibility of a permanent move this summer.
Liverpool's eagerness to receive £7m for the Moroccan's services had threatened to end negotiations, but the deal has been revived this week.
The Telegraph reports that Stoke will now pay an initial £4.5m to complete the deal before paying the rest of the amount in instalments.
Assaidi will become Stoke's fourth signing of the summer if the deal is confirmed.
