Source: Daily_Mail
Blackburn and Leeds lead race for former Stoke midfielder Amdy Faye
Blackburn and Leeds are showing interest in former Stoke midfielder Amdy Faye who is a free agent after being released in the summer. The 33-year-old has successfully recovered from back surgery after the injury dogged his final year at Stoke and has been training pain free. Faye, who has more than 30 caps for Senegal and has also figured for Portsmouth and Newcastle, has held preliminary talks with Blackburn but is weighing up all options. In demand: Blackburn and Leeds are interested in snapping up Amdy Faye (centre) Blackburn, meanwhile, have denied reports that they did not complete the signing of striker Ivelin Popov because of work permit problems. The 22-year-old Bulgaria striker from Litex Lovech was under consideration after impressing on trial but Blackburn opted against the deal last week as they struggled to free up cash. Wigan showed late interest in Jason Roberts - but once they opted against the transfer Sam Allardyce's hopes of bringing in another striker dwindled. Blackburn wanted around £750,000 for Roberts, 32, but Wigan did not want to pay more than £500,000. Popov has scored three goals in 15 matches for Bulgaria since making his debut in 2007 and is expected to start tomorrow's opening European Championship qualifier against England at Wembley.Danny Shittu, 29, is a free agent after being released by Bolton Wanderers. Stoke sign starlet, Blackpool eye Lonergan and loan move for Spurs duoGudjohnsen makes permanent switch to Stoke City in £2m dealSTOKE CITY FC