Stoke City poised to finalise deal for 23-year-old forward ahead of deadline

Stoke City are set to finalise a deal for forward Josh Maja after the forward passed a medical yesterday, according to a report from the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (30/01, 20:54).

It is understood that the forward has agreed personal terms with the Potters and is now set to join the club on a temporary basis from Bordeaux until the end of the season.

Stoke emerged as contenders for Maja’s signature earlier this month as they made the forward one of their key targets.

Maja recently made his return to action following a lengthy period on the sidelines due to a back injury as he featured for Bordeaux in the Coupe de France.

The forward has since gone on to make three further appearances for his side in all competitions.

However, given that Bordeaux are currently able to call upon the services of Hwang Ui-jo, Jimmy Briand, M’Baye Niang and Sekou Mara, Maja will be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 side today.

Having previously featured at Championship level during his time at Sunderland, Maja will now be hoping to make a positive impact for Stoke in this particular division.

Currently 12th in the second-tier standings, the Potters will need to pick up victories on a regular basis in the coming weeks if they are to challenge for a play-off place.

The Verdict

This could turn out to be a shrewd bit of business by Stoke as Maja certainly possesses a great deal of talent.

During his loan spell at Fulham last season, the 23-year-old managed to illustrate glimpses of promise in the Premier League as he scored three goals for the club in 15 appearances.

By learning from the guidance of Michael O’Neill, Maja could potentially improve as a player in this particular stint before returning to France later this year.

The forward’s arrival may