Source: Team_Talk
Pulis: Etherington deal imminent
Tony Pulis has revealed winger Matthew Etherington is 'close' to committing his long-term future to Stoke by signing a new four-year deal.[LNB] The former West Ham man has played an integral part in keeping the Potters in the top flight following his arrival at the Britannia Stadium midway through the 2008-09 season.[LNB]A serious gambling problem threatened to jeopardise his career, the 28-year-old claiming to have blown £1.5million on betting during his time in East London.[LNB]But Pulis has praised the way Etherington has turned his life around and won over the Stoke fans with a number of match-winning displays for the club.[LNB]Pulis has also challenged his winger to go on and win a place in Fabio Capello's England squad, after he was tipped to win a cap last season.[LNB]Pulis told The Sun: "The contract is close to being done.[LNB]"He had major problems but the club have really helped behind the scenes with Matty's personal life.[LNB]"That's what has settled him down and made him a more rounded person. He has that side of his life sorted out now, which is important.[LNB]"England is still very much a possibility for him. If he hadn't been injured last season, he would have been closer to getting into the squad.[LNB]"You take a chance with every player you sign but, fortunately for me, it came off.[LNB]"I think he's happy to be out of the bright lights and up in Stoke.[LNB]"He has been as good a signing as we've made, is an exciting player and the crowd love him."[LNB]Stoke are also understood to have made an offer for highly-rated Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley.[LNB]However, the Potters face strong competition from Celtic, with Cardiff boss Dave Jones expecting the Wales international to move to the SPL.[LNB]Pulis added: "We've spoken to the kid and that's it. He knows where we are with him."
