Stoke V West Brom at Britannia Stadium: LIVE

29 August 2015 09:11
Stoke V West Brom - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.

Walters still part of Potters' future under Hughes

Stoke boss Mark Hughes remains optimistic the club can reach agreement with forward Jon Walters over a new contract.

Walters, currently on a deal that runs out next summer, was this week quoted as saying he wants to stay with Stoke but feels they are yet to show they truly value him in recent contract negotiations.

Reports suggest the main sticking point is the duration of extension being offered to the Republic of Ireland international, who turns 32 next month and has attracted interest from Norwich.

And when asked about the situation on Friday ahead of Saturday's home Barclays Premier League clash with West Brom, Hughes said: "Jon knows our feeling and my feeling - I'd like him to stay.

"He has his view in terms of the negotiations. We haven't closed the door and we still think we will be able to get somewhere with it, but it has not been concluded yet."

Asked if he was disappointed Walters had aired his view, Hughes said: "No - I think they are honest comments.

"Maybe it is borne out of a little bit of frustration. But I have told him my thoughts about what he offers us and the value he gives to the squad.

"Jon is looking for security and a little bit longer maybe than the club feels they can give him.

"But hopefully there is some common ground we can discuss and move it forward."

Another club being linked with Walters are Albion, whose boss Tony Pulis signed him for Stoke in 2010.

This weekend's match will be Pulis' first at the Britannia Stadium since his second spell as Potters manager ended in 2013.

Pulis got Stoke into the Premier League in 2008 and oversaw consistent finishes just around mid-table thereafter, before his successor Hughes guided them to ninth place twice with what is generally deemed a more fluent style of football.

Hughes said of his fellow Welshman: "I think it is fair to say Tony is viewed as having done a great job here, so I don't anticipate he'll have too many people not happy to have him back - but at the end of the day, he's still an opposition manager.

"And we are not better or worse (than under Pulis) - we are still progressing and going in the right direction."

Pulis, meanwhile, admitted he could still lose star man Saido Berahino and hit out at those treating the striker like a "lump of meat".

The England Under-21 forward is wanted by Tottenham, who have had two bids swiftly rejected by the Baggies.

Berahino has had a transfer request rejected by Albion and held talks with chairman Jeremy Peace on Thursday, who reiterated that he will not be sold.

But Pulis is still uncertain ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.

"I never say never about anything until it's closed and factual," he said.

"I don't know, we have to wait and see. I wasn't in the discussions the chairman had with Saido. I'll have a chat with the lad when he comes in.

"It's not just about football it's about the person, about the lad and what he's going through. He's a human being, he's not just a lump of meat who people are trying to sell. He has emotions and having spoken to him he needs protecting

"I don't think he is 110 per cent clear on what his future is. So many people get through to these youngsters."

Berahino has been left out of the Baggies' last two games but Pulis will assess him ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke.

Pulis will assess Chris Brunt (hamstring) and Callum McManaman ahead of Saturday's trip to his former club after they suffered knocks in the Capital One Cup victory over Port Vale on Tuesday.

Source: PAR