Tony Pulis has been linked moves for two Irish internationals this summer to add to the growing number of Boys in Green at Stoke.
By Declan Whooley
Currently on the magical 40 points mark, the Potters look to have secured their Premier League status for another season and Pulis has identified a number of transfer deals this summer, with long-term target Anthony Pilkington believed to be chief among them.
Pilkington has carried on with his rich vein of form this season, but the Irish Independent reports that while he has two years left on his contract at Carrow Road, is one of the low earners at the club and could be tempted by a move to Stoke.
A goal-scoring midfielder would fit the bill nicely for Stoke, plus the fact he is good in the air and at set-pieces could see him slot into the Stoke set-up seamlessly. Pulis tried to sign the player from Huddersfield two years ago only to lose out to the Canaries, but may get his man the second time around.
And another Irish player that could be joining him at the Britannia is Reading striker Noel Hunt. The Waterford man has been in contract discussions with the club, but is being courted by Championship sides Hull, Leeds and and Brighton, with Stoke making an enquiry this week over his availability.
Pulis is generally a busy operator in the summer and if these signings come off it could make life easier for Giovanni Trapattoni should he decide to watch his Irish contingent in action.
Hypothetically of course.