Striker Ali Al-Hamadi is reportedly close to joining Stoke City.

We understand the 22-year-old held talks with the Potters yesterday and according to various reports from the Midlands the move could be done today with a loan or a permanent switch both still under discussion and a medical pencilled in.

The Blues are understood to have been looking for a permanent departure with a move to West Brom on that basis having fallen through earlier in the week.

Al-Hamadi has been Town’s third-choice frontman this season but his only starts came in the cup ties against his former club AFC Wimbledon and Bristol Rovers and his departure comes as little surprise.

In the summer, the Iraqi international was close to signing for Derby on loan but the move didn’t happen after Town pulled out of the deal to sign Armando Broja on loan from Chelsea.

A move to a Championship club during January either on loan or permanently has always looked on the cards with the Blues keen to bring in a more senior frontman during this window, although with manager Kieran McKenna having said yesterday that there is no guarantee that will happen before the Monday 3rd February deadline.

Iraq-born, Liverpool raised Al-Hamadi joined Town from AFC Wimbledon in January last year for a fee which, following promotion, rose to around £2 million.

He made three starts - one in the league - and 24 sub appearances, scoring five times. His only goal this season came in the Carabao Cup tie against his old club at Plough Lane in August.

The one-time Wycombe frontman’s departure would free up a space in Town’s 25-man Premier League squad, which has to be resubmitted shortly after the transfer window closes.

Photo: Matchday Images

gsoly added 12:06 - Jan 24 Good luck, Ali. If permanent, absolutely no reason why we shouldn't make a profit on our £2m layout - one of the best talents in L2, did well in a promotion-winning side in the Champ, now has PL experience. He'll be back in the Prem one day, no doubt.
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ArnieM added 12:16 - Jan 24 Oh I really hope this works out for him. I think events at Town conspired against him tbh. There’s a really good striker in there but think Championship might be his ceiling , and we’re clearly trying to get players in who can play at this level, now.
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SickParrot added 12:33 - Jan 24 It makes sense for both parties for him to move on, even if we don't sign another centre forward. He's no where near good enough for the Premier League and would only play if both Delap and Hirst are injured. Even then he may not start. If it is a permanent transfer I wonder what the fee will be. I was shocked to learn that he's cost us nearly 2 million in total but we were desperate to sign a striker at the time. In fairness he did score a few important goals as a sub in the Championship but at his current level he's probably League 1 at best.

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