Vital Stoke’s Transfer Update

Tomorrow’s deadline will see plenty of activity from clubs in the Premiership, and The Potters will be expecting to complete at least three signings before the window slams shut.

Wilson Palacios – This transfer has dragged on and on, but Spurs boss Harry Redknapp revealed a couple of days ago the Honduran international was undergoing a medical at Stoke, ahead of an imminent transfer.

The 27-year-old midfielder has apparently been waiting for international clearance before completing his move to the Britannia stadium, and he WILL sign, the main hold up for the deal has been Spurs reluctance to let Palacios leave without having a replacement lined up.

But Skysports.com has recently revealed that Spurs are very close to signing West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, which will give the Palacios move the green light – so expect him to sign for Stoke!

Vital Stoke verdict: Certain to sign & a terrific addition.

Cameron Jerome – The 24-year-old Birmingham striker is desperate for a move back to the Premiership and Stoke are the front-runners – he’s a willing runner who has pace to burn and he’d fit in with the Stoke unit very well, the former Cardiff man hit 11 goals in the top flight the season before last so has potential.

Vital Stoke verdict: Expect him to sign, it’s very likely he will follow Palacios to Stoke.

Peter Crouch – The England hitman has been linked with the Potters for a while now, we’ve apparently had a bid accepted from Tottenham and whilst Harry Redknapp wants to keep the striker at White Hart Lane, the decision will rest very much in the player’s hands.

Vital Stoke verdict : Unlikely, but possible.

Nicklas Bendtner – According to various media outlets, Stoke are ready to smash their transfer record for the charismatic Arsenal striker.

Arsenal are very close to completing a deal for South Korean striker Park Chu-Yong – could this be Arsene Wenger guarding against Bendtner’s departure or is he just building depth for the season ahead?

Danish Media has been reporting Stoke are leading the race and Bendtner’s dad told ekstrabladet.dk: ‘Just let me say that it is a very, very good day today’.

Sky Sports are also reporting of Stoke’s interest in Bendtner.

Vital Stoke verdict: He’d be a fantastic coup and the signs are pointing in all the right directions, but would Nicklas really entertain a move to Stoke? We’ll have to wait and see, like Crouch, it’s unlikely but possible. The most exciting prospect of the window, though.

Stoke are also chasing Manchester City winger Shaun Wright Phillips, but face competition from QPR & Bolton.

Vital Stoke verdict: Fantastic pedigree and is a very good winger but a lack of first team football is what’s caused SWP to look elsewhere at this stage of his career – and with Stoke already having two flying wingers, he’ll most probably opt for another club who can satisfy his playing demands



Wilfred Zaha The 18-year-old Crystal Palace star is interesting Stoke,according to the Mail we’re preparing a £2 million swoop.

Vital Stoke verdict: Unconvinced, although stranger things have happened!

All of the above have been linked to Stoke in the media, and Tony Pulis is targeting at least three, maybe even four or five signings. So there could be at least one surprise for Stokies tomorrow, who could it be?

Liam Ridgewell could be the man…The Birmingham defender impressed last year & has always been a solid defender in the Premiership, whether it be for the Blues, or Villa.

Despite the signings of Upson and Woodgate, the Potters are still struggling for a recognised left back and Ridgewell may be the answer.

Vital Stoke verdict : A solid centre half who can also excel at full back? Can Pulis resist this one?

Championship starlets Max Gradel of Leeds and Marvin Emnes of Middlesborough have also been linked with the Potters.

Whatever happens, I’m sure Pulis will do the business and ensure we maintain our fantastic start to the season by signing a couple of quality players. I don’t think many of us were expecting Jermaine Pennant to arrive on loan last year, so lets hope Pulis has a trick up his sleeve!