Stoke keen to secure Marko Arnautovic, Erik Pieters to long-term deals

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates is keen to secure the futures of the club's in-form stars, and admitted tying down Marko Arnautovic and Erik Pieters to longer deals is a priority.

"Yes, they are contracts we are working on at the moment," Coates confirmed to Martin Spinks of the The Sentinel.

The pair have 18 months remaining on their current deals and could be targeted by rival teams if their contracts aren't extended soon. Arnautovic, due to represent Austria at next year's Euro finals in France, and Pieters, who's featured in every league match, have both proved important players for Mark Hughes this term.

"We are always aware of these things, of where we want to go with them, and are trying to make sure we get things done in good time," Coates said.

Stoke has clean sheets in each of its last three competitive meetings, and welcomes Crystal Palace to the Potteries on Saturday.