Stoke City transfer diary 20 December 2009 - 5 January 2010
This transfer window comes at an awkward time for Stoke with James Beattie somewhat unsettled after 'that' incident in the shower with Tony Pulis. Beattie scored 7 goals after his January signing to help keep Stoke safe last season and with Stoke sliding a bit in the league after a strong start, if Beattie is to go Pulis may want a similar player or two with experience and muscle to offer an impact from the bench.
Sunday 20 December 2009
The News of the World reckon that local rivals Stoke and Wolves both have their sights on SV Red Bull Salzburg's Cameroon international Somen Tchoyi (£2m); but Newcastle striker Andy Carroll is not available to Stoke according to Chris Hughton.
Monday 21 December 2009
The Daily Mirror report that West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans is a Stoke target - but with further interest from Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Everton and Sunderland the Baggies are not interested in selling.
Tuesday 22 December 2009
The Daily Mirror reckon that Blackburn are hoping to swap Jason Roberts for James Beattie - offering Beattie a chance to return to his first club.
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Tony Pulis wonders if he will get lavender or cherry scented shower gel for Christmas.
Thursday 24 December 2009
The Daily Star reports that Tony Pulis is keen on Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones - although at £12m he could be a bit pricey and Villa and Liverpool are also interested. The Sun registers Blackburn's interest in James Beattie - but suggests that Benni McCarthy may have to be sold first.
Friday 25 December 2009
Lavender.
Saturday 26 December 2009
Perhaps bath salts next year ... or a loofer.
Sunday 27 December 2009
The News of the World reports that Tony Pulis has a lot more money to spend than most people imagine and will spend around £20m in January on Liverpool's Ryan Babel, Aston Villa's Emile Heskey and Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones.
Monday 28 December 2009
Maybe a multi-vitamin combined bath and shower gel?
Tuesday 29 December 2009
The Daily Mirror links Stoke with another big money move for West Ham midfielder Scott Parker (£9m) - again Tottenham and Liverpool are supposed to be interested.
Wednesday 30 December 2009
What about a novelty hand towel?
Thursday 31 December 2009
Stoke assistant manager, Peter Reid, is a candidate for Bolton manager according to The Daily Express.
Friday 1 January 2009
The Daily Mail reports that Martin O'Neill will move for James Beattie as a direct replacement for Emile Heskey if Heskey is sold to Liverpool, Fulham, Wigan and Chelsea. The Guardian play down the likelihood of Peter Reid taking over at Bolton.
Saturday 2 January 2010
Hmmm 'bodywash & polish exfoliates old skin cells, deep cleanses, stimulates and boosts circulation' - sounds good.
Sunday 3 January 2010
The Sunday Mirror reckon that Roberto Mancini has been urged to sign Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross by 'Man City insiders'.
Monday 4 January 2010
The Sun reports that Stoke want to sign prolific Real Madrid and Holland striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and will offer him the not-inconsiderable bait of regular football - something he may not get at Liverpool. The Daily Mirror describe as a 'shock' an otherwise routine looking loan deal for Barcelona youngster Oriel Romeu.
Tuesday 5 January 2010
The Daily Express report that Stoke City are not ready to sell Ryan Shawcross and rate him at £20m which should scare off Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs who are all keen on the defender. According to The Sun, West Ham want to replace Matthew Upson with Robert Huth. How many relegation battles should Huth be expected to fight? The Scottish Sun report that Celtic want to sign Dave Kitson on loan - with speculation about Beattie this deal may have to wait until at least one replacement is found.
*Will any of the long list of targets be acquired by Stoke or will Tony Pulis stick with what he has? Let us know!
