Potters Rumour Roundup

Vital Stoke summarises where we’re at with the players we may or may not be signing (or re-signing)

In no particular order…..

Russell Hoult: Out of contract after agreeing a short term contract in January to become our reserve keeper. There were rumours a couple of weeks ago that Cardiff may have been interested in the ex-West Brom stopper after the South Wales Echo reported that Hoult had rung the club offering his services, but the club have denied any interest.

Lee Hendrie: Influential last season, but does not seem interested in rejoining this time around – unless no one else comes in for him. He is now talking up a possible move to Middlesborough after Derby, Coventry and Leicester have all been reported to be in the frame.

Salif Diao: Seems like he could be a possible returnee to the Brit after his short term contract also expired in June. The club have reported that he made contact with them during the summer break and they’ve been keeping him sweet by sending out a coach to cast an eye over the soccer Academy he’s set up back in Senegal.

Andy Griffin: Another stint at the Brit seems on the cards for the Portsmouth player, who has made it known that he is very keen to return permanently to Stoke. It just seems the not insignificant matter of the two clubs and Griff agreeing terms that stands in the way of a deal being done.

Dominic Matteo: Yet another player who joined in January on a short term contract. Still not re-signed with the Potters, but has started pre-season training up at the Brit, so you would think a deal can be done.

Malcolm Christie and Trevor Sinclair: Although by no means a job lot, they’ve both visited the Brit last week to have a meeting with Tony Pulis and TP reckons that they both could be big assets to the club, but added that they need to get used to the idea of a big pay cut before there is any likelihood of them signing on their respective dotted lines.

John Eustace: He was not happy about having to come to the club with his own offer, rather than the club making the first move. But after a heart to heart with the gaffer now seems to be about to agree a new contract.

Jon Parkin: Already in the bag and the Wrights pies are on order.