Hannover have confirmed that contact has been made between Stoke City and Mame Biram Diouf's agent, Jim Solbakken, as the Trotters look to bolster their attack for the upcoming 2013/14 English Premier League season.
Sporting director, Dick Dufner, has told Bild of Stoke City's interest in the striker, but also stated that Hannover are hoping to keep hold of Diouf: "I made contact with Jim [Solbakken] in the morning and he told me that he has met with Stoke City's directors... At the moment, it is true that Mame [Biram Diouf] will not sign a new contract, but it would not be bad if he waits until the end of the transfer window and then signs after the 31st of August".
Biram Diouf has previously plyed his trade in England with Manchester United, after he was signed from Norwegian club, Molde, in 2009. The Senegalese native however, played only six games in all competitions during his spell at the Red Devils, and scored one goal; a looping header in a league game against Burnely. The forward was then loaned out to Blackburn Rovers for the 2010/2011 Premier League season, where he scored six goals in 29 games, including a hat trick against Norwich City in the League Cup.
The Senegalese international was signed on a permanent deal by Hannover in January 2012 for an undisclosed fee. Diouf, in his first season at the club, score six goals in ten games, and then chipped in with a further 17 goals in 36 games during the 2012/2013 Bundesliga season.
Stoke City's chairman, Peter Coates, has also confirmed that his club are looking to sign Mame Biram Diouf: "He is one of the strikers that we have registered our interest in".
It would likely cost around £8 million to bring Biram Diouf back to the Premier League.