Source: Northern_Echo
Stoke holding talks about record Jones swoop
STOKE are holding talks with Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones about a potential club-record transfer to the Britannia Stadium.[LNB] The 25-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international, who was linked with a January loan move to Liverpool, has travelled down to the Potteries for discussions with manager Tony Pulis and chief executive Tony Scholes.[LNB] Pulis has been looking at trying to improve his forward line and reached a verbal agreement with French club Nice over a fee for Loic Remy, but with other clubs interested that deal appears to have stalled.[LNB] Three of Stoke's current forwards Dave Kitson, James Beattie and Tuncay Sanli have all been linked with moves away in the last few weeks.[LNB] Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admitted the potential move came about due to his irritation at Jones' inconsistency on Wearside.[LNB] He said: "I wish him well. The deal is not over the line, but if it does (go ahead) then I think it would be in the interests of all parties.[LNB] "There has always been a frustration with me, and I think with supporters who have watched Kenwyne, that you see an abundance of talent, but it has not come out often enough for us for whatever reason.[LNB] "In management you get paid to make some important decisions sometimes. Stoke have been badgering me for a year. Everyone knows they love a big, traditional centre-forward and he might go and suit them.[LNB] "Towards the end with Kenwyne, things were not working out so I have accepted Stoke's offer and given him permission to speak to them."[LNB]
