Stoke boss determined to keep former Barcelona star

Posted Saturday, January 24, 2015 by Thesportreview.com

Mark Hughes is adamant Bojan won't be going anywhere in January

Mark Hughes has ruled out Liverpool target Bojan Krkic leaving Stoke City in the January transfer window.

The former Barcelona striker has been in excellent form for the Potters in recent weeks, scoring three goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions.

The 24-year-old's impressive performances have prompted talk of top-four chasing Liverpool launching a bid for the diminutive forward this month.

However, Stoke manager Hughes, whose side face Rochdale in the FA Cup fourth round on Monday, is determined to keep the Spain international at Britannia Stadium.

"He's done exceptionally well. We knew it would take a little bit of time for him to get to grips with the Premier League and he's done that," Hughes told his pre-match media conference on Friday.

"He's playing well. He's a talented football player and I think he's proving that in the Premier League.

"At this stage of his career that he's had disappointments such as being sent out on loan by Barcelona, the disappointments he had in terms of his game time and maybe how he was treated in certain situations.

"So he's come here and really embraced what we're doing and I think he's enjoying the environment that we can give him.

"I think he's very happy. We have no intention of encouraging any interest in him.

"He's a big part of what we want to do, so it's a non-story."

Bojan completed a surprise move to the Potters from Barcelona in the summer transfer window, penning a four-year deal at The Britannia.

The former Ajax striker has scored four goals and has made one assist in 15 Premier League appearances, including a brilliant strike at White Hart Lane.

The Spain international has won three La Liga titles, the Champions League, Eredivise and Copa del Rey during his career so far.