Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has played down speculation that Matthew Etherington could be on his way out of the club.

Aston Villa are eyeing Etherington as a potential replacement for Stewart Downing.

Pulis told The Sentinel: "Matty has been a major part of what we have tried to build here. He is a top player and a top lad.

"He has done well for this football club and this football club has done well for him. That is always a good marriage."