The Sentinel understands the Cameroon international was being shown around the ground and could possibly undergo a medical while on the premises.
However, sources said a deal for the player was far from imminent.
The fee for M’Bia, said to be also interesting Marseille and Everton, has been reported to range from £6m up to £12m, but even at the lower level it would be a record for Stoke.
Potters chairman Peter Coates confirmed last night that the club had been “monitoring” 23-year-old M’Bia, but added: “If anything does happen, it looks a long way off at the moment.”