Super Eagles midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo, looks likely to be heading towards Stoke exit if recent comments by his manager, Micheal O’Neil is to be believed.
The Eagles midfielder who has hardly featured under the Northern Irishman since returning from injury had also hinted at Potters exit following his inability to break into O’Neil’s midfield with the trio, Joe Allen, Jordan Cousins and Nick Powell the preferred.
And the former Northern Ireland manager has now hinted at an imminent exit of fringe players in January in order to balance the squad.
“Any transfer window is difficult, particularly in January. It’s perhaps a bit more difficult when you have a large squad. We have to try and come out of it with a more balanced squad.
“I still believe that the current squad trimmed down has enough but just need a bit of help,” he told the club’s media.
The Northern Ireland chief has had a mixed start since taking over the Potters but they remain in the relegation zone following Friday’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough.
Stoke are currently two points from safety ahead of their Boxing Day clash against in-form Sheffield Wednesday at the bet365 Stadium.
Etebo has only played 15 times for the Potters this season.
