The former Stoke Park pupil left City to join Gordon Strachan at Southampton before moving to Stoke. His contract was due to expire at the end of the season and Stoke have agreed to release him on the premise that he does not play in the game at Highfield Road on Saturday.
Defender Marcus Hall has re-joined fellow Championship side Coventry City on a free transfer.
Director of Football John Rudge told the Stoke City official website: "We've agreed to release Marcus from his contract here at Stoke City and he's joined Coventry. "We weren't in the position to offer him the contract he wanted and so he's joined Coventry. "Marcus was a true professional and we wish him the very best for the rest of his career."
Potters boss Tony Pulis added: "I want to thank Marcus for everything he has done for this football club. "He was a bubbly character around the place and admired by his colleagues. "His contract was up at the end of this summer and so we couldn't stand in his way when Coventry came calling. "They have offered him a two-and-a-half year contract and, of course, he is returning to his first club and to the club nearest his family."
Micky Adams has also been linked to a move for Leeds defender Michael Duberry.