Transfer news: Stoke enter race for Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair after injury to Brek Shea on pre-season tour

Manager Mark Hughes is hoping to tap into his former club's reserves after Sinclair has seen his chances at the Etihad limited

Scott Sinclair made his City debut in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Stoke after joining the Barclays Premier League champions on last month (Getty Images)

Stoke City have identified Scott Sinclair as a potential transfer target in an attempt to strengthen their left flank after new manager Mark Hughes identified a weak area in their squad.

Sinclair has been made available by Manchester City, with Manuel Pellegrini looking to recoup around £6m for the winger they signed from Swansea last year.

Sinclair has seen very little football since his move to the Etihad, and Stoke will rival Everton, Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion for his services.

City officials are keen on getting a fee close to what they paid for the Englishman, who made just 14 appearances in total for the Citizens – with 11 of those coming in the league.

Hughes has seen his concerns raise after USA international Brek Shea suffered a knee injury in Stoke’s pre-season friendly against Philadelphia Union, and he also has worries over the long-term fitness of Matthew Etherington, who has struggled for form and fitness over the past two seasons.

The former City boss is set to meet the Stoke board next week to discuss a move for Sinclair, whose promising career has stalled since he left Swansea on deadline day last year.

West Brom are thought to be leading the way in the hunt for Sinclair, but they are only prepared to take the 24-year-old on loan, whereas City would prefer to let him go permanently.

They are willing to wait as they look for a bidder for Sinclair, which could suit Stoke as Hughes has to persuade the Potters hierarchy to sanction the move before he can make an official approach.