Etherington talks edge closer

Talks over a new contract for Matty Etherington will begin before the end of the month, chairman Peter Coates has confirmed.

Etherington will reportedly hold out for an increased salary but whether the board will agree is a different matter. Reports have suggested that previous talks had stalled and that Stoke were looking to cash in on the winger, even though his contract still has two years to run.

However it looks as though things will be resolved as the Potters can hardly affords to lose Matty who has produced the best football of his career at the Brit since signing last January.

Boss Tony Pulis hasn`t hid his desire for the two parties to sit down and discuss a deal and little wonder seeing that Etherington`s blistering form has seen him hit 6 goals this season and is many peoples choice to pick up the player of the year award.

Meanwhile, the Potters are linked with utility midfielder Scott Parker from West Ham this morning. The former England international has been the one shining light in a poor season for the Hammers and with Stoke looking for a central midfielder, you can understand how someone put two and two together. Parker would suit Stoke`s style and his aggression would complement Delap, Whelan or Whitehead. But it is a current Potter who needs to be sorted out first.





Vital Stoke