Stoke transfer news - 15/01/07

After a disappointing home performance against Wolves at the weekend, Tony Pulis has admitted that the Potters 'lack balance' but are no nearer signing any players.

Stoke's performance on Saturday clearly showed the gulf between the skills available in the current squad compared to the loan players we've had for the last three months and as of yet, we've only signed Liam Lawrence and Rory Delap (who is currently injured)

Tony Pulis has admitted that he has missed out on a couple of players (rumoured to be Gary Teale and Paul Ifill) and there is no news yet of Andy Griffin who was reported to be signing last week, but was recalled by Portsmouth as their injury crisis deepened. Lee Hendrie was a non-playing sub in Villa's match with Man United but Martin O'Neill has said that he will wait until the end of January before making a final decision on the player's future.

However the club seem hopeful of securing Salif Diao on loan for the rest of the season, even though he played his poorest game in the match against Wolves and has now completed his initial loan period.

Carl Hoefkens has said that he wants to stay at the club even though there is reported to be interest from clubs back in Belgium. He has revealed that his wife, Vanessa, is keen to stay in England, but admits that the final decision may not be up to them after FC Bruges have tabled an offer of around £700,000 for the defender.

Meanwhile, Sam Bangoura does not believe he will ever play for the club again whilst Tony Pulis remains in charge and insists his challenge is to score goals whilst on loan at FC Brussels and get a club a good transfer fee in the future.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.