Will Smallbone might follow Hirst to Stoke, two months after Southampton released him.

Burnley have joined Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion in pursuing free agent Will Smallbone this summer. Smallbone is a 26-year-old central midfielder. The pursuit from Burnley is happening as manager Nicky Hayen seeks further reinforcements. The Irish international has 15 caps for his country, and his current market value is €3.50m, according to Transfermarkt.