Sorensen Weighing Options

Thomas Sorensen would prefer to stay at Stoke, but admits he is willing to consider offers from elsewhere.

The Denmark international goalkeeper has spent the last three years with the Potters, having previously turned out for Sunderland and Aston Villa during his time in England.

Unfortunately for the 35-year-old shot-stopper, he found himself benched for much of last season as Asmir Begovic forced his way to the front of the keeping queue.

A frustrating spell on the sidelines has forced Sorensen  to weigh up his options, with it important for him to be playing regular first-team football.

He admits his preference would be to reclaim his place at the Britannia Stadium, with Stoke having the option to extend his contract for another year.

Sorensen is, however, prepared to accept that the time may have come to move on, with West Ham reported to be among those willing to offer him the game time he seeks - as they prepare to part with Robert Green

"I am happy to be at Stoke and as long as we can find a good solution, I would like to stay," Sorensen told Danish newspaper B.T.

"But it is always flattering to hear that other clubs are interested."

Story from: Sky Sports News

Birmingham Will Only Sell Dann to Liverpool or Stoke for Right Price

Birmingham defender, Scott Dan will not be allowed to leave St. Andrews Park for nothing other than top price.
The Liverpudlian Newspaper, The Liverpool Echo, have said that Birmingham have received a £16m bid for Dann and Jerome.


Birmingham sources have said that the two clubs have been in serious talks regarding the bid. Birmingham know that they will be contacted by Premier League clubs following their relegation to The Championship. But they a trying to get the best deal possible for the Liverpool born Dann.
City wants £12m for the 24 year-old, who has been linked to Arsenal and Liverpool as well as Stoke.


A Birmingham source says:  "There have been serious conversations and negotiations are continuing but no fee has been agreed.

"If Dann is to leave, Birmingham are determined to obtain the price they feel is fair for one of the best young defenders in the Premier League.

"His performances over the past two years have been excellent." 

Allardyce Says Stoke Must Improve Cole Bid

Sam Allardyce has told The Sentinel that Stoke's bid for Cole was not good enough, "I believe at this stage that the offer is not good enough. It is not to the club's valuation," says the Hammer's boss.

Allardyce accepts that he must sell players due to his sides recent relegation. But stresses that players would not be allowed to leave cheaply.

 "We are keen to keep our players. However we have lost our Premier League status and our financial position has to be addressed. A part of that might be players are sold back to the Premier League, but only so long as that is right for our club".

West Ham Reject Cole Bid

West Ham United have rejected Stoke City's opening bid for Carlton Cole and told the Premier League club that they will need to significantly increase their offer.

Stoke are believed to have offered in the region of £4m plus add-ons for the England international.

Stoke Stunned by Sky-High Sturridge

Chelsea have told Stoke it will take £20m to buy Strurridge.
 The Mirror claims that Chelsea has told Pulis that he will need to fork out £20m for Sturridge. Even though Villa-Boas is looking for new big-named striking talent for Chelsea.

Stoke to beat Leicester and Local Rivals to Mills

The Mirror claims that Stoke are talking to Reading for a £3.5m switch.

The Potters are offering more money than Wolves in the race for the highly-rated defender, Reading missed out on promotion so the defender is being allowed to leave.

Leicester hopefuls  are making a late effort bid to steal the deal. The Foxes are offering Mills £25,000 a week wage , which is more than Stoke are willing to pay.

So he now has to decide between cash or a crack at the Premier League. FA Cup Finalists Stoke are still optimistic that Mills will choose them.

Pre-Season Plans

Austrian Training Ground

The Stoke Players return to their training ground, Clayton Wood Training Ground, next Thursday (7th July). Following a six week holiday, I'm sure players will be well rested but not fit. 
Just 24 hours after returning to the training ground the team is flying to their annual training camp in Austria. 
The team will spend six-days in the town of Irdning to bring their fitness back up for their first pre-season friendly match on the 16th of July. 
The boys face South Wale's Newport County and then playing County's local rivals the next day. 
Preparations for a fourth consecutive top flight campaign will continue against League One outfit Brentford at Griffin Park 48 hours later (Friday, July 22 - 7:45pm), with another game against Aldershot Town, whose side include former Stoke defender John Halls, taking place at the Recreation Ground on Saturday, July 23 (3pm).
Then finally the boys face Sheffield Wednesday on the 30th July. 


Full Story: Stoke City FC
http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~2369536,00.html

Cole Big Lodged?

The Stoke-on-Trent local newspaper, The Sentinel, have claimed that Stoke City have lodged a £3m bid for West Ham Goal Scorer. Carlton Cole.

Despite Cole's disappointing season, Pulis will feel he can revitalise a striker who was playing for England just 16 months ago.

The City boss has a reputation for reviving careers, having also brought the best out of his wingers Matthew Etherington and Jermaine Pennant.

Cole is widely-tipped to leave Upton Park this summer, along with fellow England internationals Rob Green and Scott Parker, as West Ham count the cost of relegation.

Also Sky Sports have claimed today that Stoke have made a joint £16m bid for Birmingham duo, Scott Dan and Jerome. There is speculation that Stoke's No.10, Ricardo Fuller is being sent to Birmingham as part of the deal.


Full Story: The Sentinel
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Stoke-City-Stoke-set-strike-transfer-trio/story-12849304-detail/story.html