Simonsen still needed as Stoke bid for Fulop

Steve Simonsen is still a key part of the Potters' Premier League plans even though they are still keen to land Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop.

Simonsen was dropped towards the end of the season with Wigan's Carlo Nash taking over on loan from the former Everton keeper who had been ever-present since taking over the number one spot from veteran Dutch international, Ed De Goey during the 2004/05 season. But Tony Pulis has reiterated that he wants and still needs the 29 year old at the club even if they do bring a new keeper.

Stoke have been linked throughout the close season with Marton Fulop, who was on loan at the Brit for only a few days before being recalled by the Black Cats, but Pulis is still keen to bring the Hungarian international back on a permanent basis with reports that he has upped his original bid of £1.7m to around £2m.

While we're on keeper stories, Russell Hoult, who was released by the Potters at the end of the season, has been signed by Notts County on a two year contract. The former Baggies' keeper had spent the last few weeks on loan at Meadow Lane in the wake of Simonsen's demotion to the bench.

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