Source: SKY_Sports
Collins urged to join Stoke
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Matthew Etherington admits he has been trying to persuade James Collins to make the move to Stoke.[LNB] The Potters are interested in signing the Welsh defender from West Ham and the two clubs agreed a fee of around £5million earlier this week.[LNB]The deal stalled over personal terms but Tony Pulis remains hopeful of bringing Collins to the Britannia Stadium.[LNB]Etherington would also like the transfer to go ahead and has recommended Stoke to his former Hammers team-mate [LNB]"I'm very good friends with James and I've kept in touch with him ever since leaving West Ham," Etherington told The Sentinel.[LNB]"He was up at the weekend with me when I told him about everything here at Stoke. I spoke highly of the club, but at the end of the day it's down to him."[LNB]Great additionCollins has established himself as a key member of the Wales side as well as the West Ham team and Etherington is convinced he would be successful for Stoke.[LNB]He added: "I don't really know what the situation is at the moment between Stoke and James but he would definitely be a great addition for us if we can sign him.[LNB]"He's an international centre-half with great attributes and he would certainly provide great competition in there at centre-half alongside Ryan (Shawcross) and Abdoulaye (Faye).[LNB]"As I say, the decision is down to him, but of course I hope he joins us because he will definitely strengthen the squad."[LNB]
