Stoke City: Kit bagged?
STOKE City are closing fast on a deal for Reading striker Dave Kitson which will obliterate the club's transfer record.
The Sentinel understands the deal could eventually total £4m if 28-year-old Kitson becomes Stoke's first summer signing and then goes on to be a big success in their debut Premier League campaign.
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READY TO STRIKE: Stoke are poised to agree a deal with Reading for hitman Dave Kitson.
Fulham and Wigan were also reported to be monitoring Kitson's availability, but appear to have shifted their sights elsewhere in recent days after moving in for other strike targets.
Pulis wants Kitson's finishing ability, work-rate and aggression to complement and enhance his existing attack.
His arrival would also strengthen the look of a Stoke frontline already weakened by the current absence of injured star striker Ricardo Fuller.
It remains to be seen whether Kitson's signing will be completed in time for him to come under serious consideration for tomorrow evening's first pre-season friendly at Newcastle Town (6.45pm kick-off).
Kitson shot to prominence in League football after netting 40 goals in 102 appearances for Cambridge between 2001 and 2003 – his Football League debut coming at the Britannia Stadium when appearing as a second-half substitute in a 3-2 win over Stoke in March 2001.
His goalscoring record at Cambridge subsequently earned him a move to Reading, then in the Championship, for an initial fee of £150,000.
He was soon among the goals again after notching 19 in 37 appearances in the 2004/06 season and 18 in 34 games during their promotion campaign 12 months later.
His impact on the Premier League was hindered by an early injury that restricted him to 13 appearances and two goals in Reading's debut season, while their following campaign in 2007/08 saw Kitson claim 10 in 34 league appearances en route to their final-day relegation.
Meanwhile, Stoke were reporting no fresh development in their £3m pursuit of Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson today as he weighs up offers from City and West Brom.
Pulis has already warned the England international that time is running short as he threatens to look again at the likes of Sunderland's Marton Fulop.
STOKE legend Alan Hudson will be signing copies of his new book, The Waddington Years, ahead of tomorrow's friendly at Newcastle Town from 5pm onwards.
'City boss now seeking a Royals double' – Player Watch: Page 39
2 Comments
by Warren, Stoke on Trent
Thursday, July 17 2008, 3:15PM
“Did,'nt Readnig get the drop last season with Dave Kitson in that side. Would it not be better if TP got someone with a trak record of playing in the top flight. Not just a seson or two. It will be hard whoever is brought in. In my mind there are 4 other tears who will be as bad off as Stoke. West Brom, Hull, Wigan and Fulem will also not fare well. If Stoke can stay above three of them, it will be a good season for us.”
by Dean, Talke
Thursday, July 17 2008, 9:50AM
“What a good 1st signing Kitson will be, lets hope this is the sort of player that will soon be gracing the brit. A couple of decent wingers now please Mr Pulis to create the chances for him. Forget Carson, he's not interested in coming. Get Fulop, Harper or Henassey.”