With one year left of his contract, a season-long loan would effectively end a frustrating spell on Wearside for a player considered one of the game’s brightest talents a couple of years ago.
Although Keane was a huge admirer of the young Ireland forward’s ability, Hughes is so far the only manager to have unlocked Stokes’ potential.
His scintillating form when on loan at Falkirk was what persuaded Sunderland to splash out the best part of £2m on the player, but he has not been able to force his way into the first-team picture at the Stadium of Light.
And, typical of Keane’s occasionally idiosyncratic management style, when he did score a pair of goals to help rescue Sunderland in the early rounds of the Carling Cup, he was promptly loaned out to Sheffield United.
Stokes made little impact there, though, and scored only one goal in 13 games when loaned to Crystal Palace at the end of the season – which has put plenty of Championship managers off signing him.
Meanwhile, after a long break – which has involved plenty of football business – the new Sunderland boss will return to Wearside on Tuesday with the hope of making a breakthrough in the transfer market.
England under-21 striker Campbell has emerged as a serious target with reports over the weekend suggesting a deal is close to being finalised.
The move is not quite that advanced yet, and Campbell may yet chose to rejoin Hull City, but Sunderland are strong contenders to sign the young striker and will expect a decision when he returns from the Under-21 European Championships this week.
Similarly, Bruce is hopeful of making some progress with Bent this week – although that move depends on Spurs bringing in attacking reinforcements first with Harry Redknapp interested in former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Reports over the weekend also linked West Ham with a £2m move for Anton Ferdinand but there seems little prospect of the player returning to Upton Park.
The defender is determined to make a success of his Sunderland career and Bruce is keen to work with the former England Under-21 stopper.