Source: Team_Talk
Pulis targets Kovac to fill Diao gap
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has confirmed his desire to sign West Ham midfielder Radoslav Kovac as he faces up to the prospect of losing Salif Diao.[LNB] Stoke lodged a bid for Kovac earlier this week and the 30-year-old is understood to have been holding talks with the club at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday.[LNB]Pulis hinted West Ham have stalled on their agreement to sell the Czech Republic international, who he believes will prove a good acquisition if a deal can be done.[LNB]Kovac made 31 appearances for the Hammers last season and Pulis reckons he would be the ideal replacement for Salif Diao, who has not yet agreed to a new contract.[LNB]"We're still trying to do something with Salif, and if we can, we will," said Pulis.[LNB]"But by the sounds of things he wants to keep things in play, which I can understand.[LNB]"So we're a midfielder short of what we want in the squad, which is why I'm looking at Kovac, and it's now down to West Ham. The ball is in their court.[LNB]"It's up to them to decide whether they want to do a deal or not.[LNB]"There's been a bit of too-ing and fro-ing. One minute it's yes, the next they're not sure, so we will leave it to them.[LNB]"But the fella has a lot of experience. He is a good player, a very good footballer - being at West Ham tells you that.[LNB]"He can control games, so if it comes off he will be a good signing for us."[LNB]Meanwhile Pulis also confirmed James Beattie will join Rangers on a permanent deal if he can agree terms with the club.[LNB]"James is up talking to Rangers, so I don't know how that is going on at the moment," he said.[LNB]"If it goes through it will be a permanent deal."[LNB]With cash still to spend, as Stoke are to spread their payments for Jones over four years, Pulis is also eyeing Ipswich captain Jon Walters but Roy Keane says the Tractor Boys have not yet accepted an offer for the 26-year-old.
