Pulis: Diao wants to sign but...

Tony Pulis has relented to pressure to reveal why the Potters' number one target, Salif Diao has not yet signed for the club.

Apparently, he does not regard himself as fully fit and will not commit the club to signing a contract with him until he his.

Pulis told the official site: 'He doesn't want to come here and take money off of us while he isn't ready to train.

I have spoken to Salif, and I have been up there and seen him twice, but he is adamant that he won't come until he is fully fit or nearly fit.'

He had such a great time here last season and like I say he doesn't want to ruin that by coming here while he is unfit."

Sounds very laudable - if that's the whole story, but we've still have thought that the club could have persuaded him to sign, fully fit or not.

It certainly seems like money is not an issue as he's had plenty of opportunity to talk to other clubs but not taken them. There's no doubt that with a six month lay-off under his belt, he'll not be fully fit, but unless there other fitness issues, the best way for Diao to get back to playing football would be to sign up with the Potters and get on down to the Michelin.

With the current central midfield lacking just what Salif can offer with his cool, calm and commanding presence in the middle of the park, we need him as soon as possible.