STOKE City chairman Peter Coates has said boss Mark Hughes will make the final decision on whether Charlie Adam moves to Burnley.

The Clarets have identified the 30-year-old as a target for midfield reinforcements following the departure of Joey Barton to Rangers earlier in the summer.

While no bid has yet been submitted it is understood that Burnley boss Sean Dyche is keen to bring the former Liverpool midfielder to Turf Moor.

Adam made just 12 Premier League starts last season, but has a year remaining on his contract with Stoke, as well as the option of a further 12 months after that.

Coates revealed he was a big fan of Adam, but said any decision whether he is allowed to leave will be made by the manager.

"I'm a big fan of Charlie, I have to admit, because he's made a great contribution to the club in his four years here, both on and off the field," Coates told the Stoke Sentinel.

"What I like particularly about him is that he's such a good competitor and wants to win, you always need players like that in your squad.

"Charlie is one of those players who loves the game of football. That might seem an obvious thing to say, but not all players do, many see it as their job.

"But Charlie has been known to go and watch matches out of genuine interest and will always want to talk football with you.

"Having said all this, however, any decision on who leaves the club is quite clearly down to the manager and he will always have our full support on such decisions."