Stoke City have overtaken West Ham United to become favourites to sign Burak Yilmaz according to bookmakers.

The ladbrokes news site states that West Ham were leading the race to sign the Turkish international but have cooled their interest after failing to agree a loan deal with Galatasaray.

The report goes onto state that Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is reported wants to sign Yilmaz on loan, with a view to a permanent move in the summers,

However, the Istanbul Giants are holding out for an upfront fee of £4.5 million.

Yılmaz has scored 81 times in his last 140 games for the Istanbul giants winning two league titles since joining in 2012 and helping his side reach the 2013 Champions League quarter-finals.

Galatasaray could end up being forced to sell Yılmaz to meet Financial Fair Play regulations. The Lions would free up over €14.5 million over the next three seasons in contract fees should the experienced forward be sold.

See More
3 reasons Burak Yilmaz would be a success at West Ham
Three reasons Arda Turan could be a success at Barcelona