Potters linked with Argentine full-back

Today the Sun Newspaper is reporting that both Stoke and Everton are chasing Argentine left-back Javier Pinola. The 26-year old, who currently ply`s his trade with German club Nuremberg, is out of contract in the summer and so can be picked up for free.

Before reading the rumour I hadn`t had heard of Pinola and so some well spent time doing research I found out that he has been capped by Argentina once, back in 2007 against Algeria, and has spent time with well known Spanish club Atletico Madrid. At just under 6 foot tall Pinola isnt your average Argentine full-back. His versatility, which can see him play in central defence and left midfield, as well as left full-back, is something that Stoke boss Tony Pulis looks for in a player.

However the defence is an area of the pitch that TP thrives upon and he brought in both Robert Huth and Danny Collins last summer. Alongside regulars such as Captain Abdoulaye Faye, the rejuvenated Danny Higginbotham and local hero Andy Wilkinson. I would argue that Pinola wouldn`t see too much football.

Pulis does like a large squad though and makes sure he has plenty of cover in every position. And with the expected summer departures of Andy Griffin, Andrew Davies and Carl Dickinson, perhaps there is some life in this rumour?

You decide!