Brown hails White impact

Published Jul. 25, 2013 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has confirmed that the club are interested in signing Benfica striker Nelson Oliveira on a season-long loan deal.

The 21-year-old Portugal international is highly rated by his current club but they would reportedly be interested in sending him out on a temporary basis.

And Hughes told The Sentinel: "Yes, there's an interest there.

"He's a player I've seen before and who I know. He's a little bit different to what we've got.

"I'm not sure how far down the line we are but, if we can get him, he'll be a good player for us.

"He's young, but he has played for his country, so he obviously has a good pedigree, and I'm sure we will try and get games out of him straight away."

Palacios

Meanwhile, Stoke midfielder Wilson Palacios has been linked with a move to Premier League new boys Hull City.

But Hughes said: "I've had conversations with Wilson and I'm pleased with what I've seen so far.

"I've been pleased with his work on the training ground and I think he could be a good option for us this year."

White, who spent nine years at Colchester before arriving at Roots Hall last month, has impressed the former Hull manager with his attitude during pre-season and will take the armband for the new term.

"John conducts himself well on and off the pitch and I think he will be a good captain for us," Brown told the Southend Echo.

"He's not afraid to get stuck in and he still has a black eye from when he did exactly that against Chelmsford City.

"It wasn't an easy decision to make because there were a lot of candidates to pick from, but I wanted to make it a Phil Brown Southend side by choosing someone who I signed."

The 26-year-old defender becomes the Shrimpers' third summer signing as Brown hopes to make a return to League One in his first full season in charge.