Stoke are leading a host of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Chelsea defender John Terry, according tothe Times.
The report claims Chelsea are not planning on offering Terry a new contract, meaning this season will likely be his last at Stamford Bridge as a player. The former England international has repeatedly voiced his intent not to sign for another Premier League club but his desire to continue playing at the top level could see him join Stoke in the summer.
Mark Hughes' side, alongside West Brom and Bournemouth, offered Terry a route away from southwest London in Januarybut the 36-year-old opted to stay at his boyhood club as they look to secure the 2016-17 Premier League title, in which they currently hold a 10 point lead at the top of the table.
Terry came close to signing for Hughes when the Welshman managed Manchester City eight years ago, and any approach from Stoke would be given serious consideration given his struggles for first-team football this season.
The former England captain has made just five Premier League appearances this campaign, finding himself behind David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta in the central defence pecking order.
Chelsea are eager to keep hold of Terry so he can help with the coaching of the club's youngsters, but his inactivity this season is thought to have only increased his desire to keep playing despite an apparent lack of interest in the centre-back from teams outside of England.
Teams from the MLS have been deterred due to Terry's high wage demands while a move to China seems unlikely due to his unwillingness to relocate his family to the Far East.