Smithers here is the link mate - http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/stoke-transfers-darren-bent-of-aston-1563020 Runaround.. NOW! Stoke want Darren Bent and will sell Crouch, Jones and Adam to pay for him 29 Jan 2013 23:07 Pulis' admiration for the Aston Villa striker could see QPR and Swansea buy Potters pair and Danny Graham complete his move to Sunderland. Stoke boss Tony Pulis is trying to fund a last-ditch move for Darren Bent with an incredible transfer merry-go-round. Pulis has told QPR target Peter Crouch and Kenwyne Jones, who is wanted by Swansea, they can both go before Thursday night's deadline. That will free up enough money to help Stoke make a shock move for England striker Bent, who is out of favour at Aston Villa. Pulis, who also does not see Charlie Adam as part of his long-term plans, is a huge admirer of Bent and is desperate to bring him in. Villa bought Bent from Sunderland in a deal worth over £20m two years ago, but current boss Paul Lambert does not fancy the 28-year-old and may allow him to go, even though he has just two days to get a replacement. Fulham have also been interested but Stoke are very keen, although it will depend on them getting players out first. Crouch is no longer an automatic starter and QPR boss Harry Redknapp is keen to team up with him again after managing him at Tottenham - the Rs want to throw Jamie Mackie into a player-plus-cash deal. England international Crouch, 32 tomorrow, may be attracted by one last big move and also a move back to London and to one of his first clubs. Swansea are trying for Jones as they look set to sell Danny Graham, who wants more game-time, to Sunderland - where he played for Swans and was barracked by the home fans on Tuesday night. That would give ambitious Stoke enough cash to go for Bent, who is keen to get out of Villa Park. Although Villa will be keen to get another big earner off their books, they will want to recoup almost all of their outlay on the striker.
Little wonder the players cannot be bothered to turn up when he wants them all through the door except his favourites!!!
If this is the atmosphere that the players are living in then it's no wonder that it's all gone pear shaped. If it is true then Pulis will be removing 3 of his highest profile signings in one fell swoop, just how is he going to attract the higher profile players in the future if it is known that he treats people his so called stars in this way? it looks more and more like the five year plan is to destroy rather than create.
If Bent is injured we are screwed and we are selling some of our best players to buy him! Very bad move by TP
Supposedly we are in talks with Butland to sign him in the summer. Olsson is booked in for a medical tomorrow and Crouch is on his way to QPR Butland and Olsson especially - would be AMAZING signings! Reported that Butland wants to stay in the midlands. Also looks like Shea is on his way, waiting for approval tomorrow
Non too impressed about the Mackie rumour. Not a bad player, but he's a workhorse, plays on the wing and upfront... Sound familiar? If we've got him and Walters, we'd never see a proper winger again!
I mentioned in a post some weeks ago the rumour about Bent coming in. I heard at the same time also of Stuart Downing , the well known part time left back at Liverpool.
Rob Dorsett provides an update on Stoke’s pursuit of Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland, after it emerged earlier that a bid had been lodged. It is understood that discussions involve the possibility of a couple of Stoke players, including Ryan Shotton, heading in the opposite direction on loan.
Here is a new one? http://www1.skysports.com/football/...-reject-bid-from-Stoke-for-defender-Rod-Fanni
Stoke offering Shotton to Birmingham. Can't say as I would be disappointed at Shotton leaving, but without cover at right back???