Blues striker George Hirst’s move to Stoke City is reportedly close to being completed.

Hirst was left out of the party which travelled for last week’s mini-training camp in Germany with Town and the Potters in discussions regarding the Scotland international joining the Championship side, whose interest first emerged at the end of last month.

Stoke wanted a season-long loan, while the Blues were insisting on a permanent switch for the 27-year-old.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, talks regarding the latter are progressing with the Potters hopeful the deal can be done before Saturday’s game at Southampton.

Hirst, who is in contract until the summer of 2029, played a big part in Town’s three promotions in four years having joined from Leicester, initially on loan, midway through the 2022/23 League One campaign. The move was made permanent for £1.5 million that summer.

However, the son of Sheffield Wednesday legend David looks unlikely to play much of a part in the season ahead with the Blues having brought in record signing Emersonn over the summer, while manager Gary O’Neil has been impressed by Chuba Akpom during pre-season.

Town are also understood to be in discussions with Rennes regarding the acquisition of Switzerland striker Breel Embolo and the Blues seem likely to give the green light to Hirst’s departure once a third frontman has been brought in.

Hirst has made 73 starts and 52 sub appearances for Town, scoring 30 goals, including some of the most important and memorable of the Kieran McKenna era.

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