Stoke round-up: Arnautovic’s transfer request; City midfielder linked; teenage defender signs

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Stoke City have been rocked by the news that Marko Arnautovic has handed in a written transfer request.

The Austrian winger has become a hugely popular figure in The Potteries and has been a pivotal member of Mark Hughes’ side since signing for £3 million in the summer of 2013. His charisma and arrogant swagger, coupled with his pace, power, strength and skilful exuberance has made the 28-year-old a favourite amongst supporters who now must face the possibility of losing their leading goal scorer from last season.

The Stoke Sentinel and The Telegraph have revealed that Arnautovic has informed Stoke that he wants to depart the Bet365 Stadium and has submitted a formal transfer request. The news comes after it was confirmed that West Ham United had made a £15 million bid for the winger, although The Potters were quick to turn down the offer.

Slaven Bilic is a great admirer of the Austrian and is keen to remould his forward line, adding more power and ‘personality’, in preparation for the coming season, and Arnautovic fits the bill.

However, Stoke are under no pressure to sell and hold all of the cards in this transfer wrangle. The club is under no financial pressure to sell and with the player’s contract not set to expire until 2020 The Potters are in prime position to demand an exaggerated transfer fee or block any move altogether.

Speaking to the Stoke Sentinel the Welshman explained:

“Marko and his people have put in a transfer request but that happens on occasions. Any comings and goings are at our discretion and it’s our decision ultimately. Players can express an opinion or view in terms of where they see their future but at the end of the day … we have the final say. We’ve never put him up for sale, we’ve never said he’s for sale. … There’s been a bid, but bids have to be reasonable and that one wasn’t”.

Mark Hughes has admitted that Glenn Whelan’s future remains uncertain after confirming that talks with interested clubs had ‘gone a little quiet’.

The Stoke City midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the Bet365 Stadium this summer with a number of clubs supposedly interested in securing the signature of the Republic of Ireland International. Aston Villa are the only party to have made a concrete offer for the player but their opening £500,000 bid was swiftly dismissed by the Premier League club earlier this summer.

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Hughes is currently attempting to freshen up his first team squad at Stoke by introducing younger players during this transfer window, with 17-year-old defender Josh Tymon the latest recruit. However, that means that a number of established names could face an exit, with 33-year-old Jonathan Walters already having departed to join Premier League rivals Burnley, and the club will not stand in Whelan’s way, should a suitable offer be received.

However, Hughes admitted that Stoke were no closer to agreeing a fee for the Irishman, despite interest from Aston Villa. Speaking to the Stoke Sentinel, the Stoke manager explained:

“It’s gone a little bit quiet. … Aston Villa made an initial bid which was rejected out of hand … I don’t think they’ve been back since with an increased offer. … At this stage of Glenn’s career he’s probably looking for a little more security. That may being offered at Aston Villa.”

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has insisted that new signing Josh Tymon is capable of making an immediate impact in the Premier League despite only turning 18 in May.

The Potters successfully lured the young defender away from relegated Hull City following a protracted contract. The Tigers “reluctantly” released Tymon after he opted to cancel his scholarship contract and refused to sign a professional deal, leaving him free to move to the Bet365 Stadium, although Stoke will have to pay a compensation fee.

The Hull Daily Mail are reporting that Hughes is keen for Tymon to challenge for a place in the Stoke starting-eleven despite the presence of established left-back Erik Pieters.

“We’re delighted we’ve been able to bring him into the club. He’s a good young player, with good ability and a good attitude.”

“He’s here to push Erik Pieters. Obviously Erik is the senior partner in the club but we feel that he’s got the ability. He’s played in the Premier League already and understands what it’s about. We feel he can push Erik and I think that will help Erik as well.”

Sky Sports have revealed that Stoke are among a host of Premier League clubs competing for the signature of out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph.

The former England international has failed to make his mark at the Etihad Stadium since arriving two years ago and has found regular first team football hard to come by due to a multitude of injuries and fierce competition for places. Pep Guardiola handed Delph just two starts in the Premier League last season and has made it clear that the central midfielder is free to leave.

The Potters have already made contact with Manchester City about the possibility of agreeing a season-long loan deal for Delph, although they are also considering making a £12 million bid. Mark Hughes has admitted that the 27-year-old is one of a number of players that Stoke are targeting.

“We’ve asked for an idea in term of the possibility of doing something. That’s been ongoing for a couple of weeks now and we just have to be patient. … He’s one of a number of players we’re looking at.”

However, the Daily Mail are reporting that Stoke will need to fend off competition from newly-promoted Newcastle United in order to secure Delph’s signature, with Rafa Benitez supposedly preparing to move for the 27-year-old.

Featured image all rights reserved Steffan Bowen.