Pulis: Etherington deal imminent

Tony Pulis has revealed winger Matthew Etherington is 'close' to committing his long-term future to Stoke by signing a new four-year deal. The former West Ham man has played an integral part in keeping the Potters in the top flight following his arrival at the Britannia Stadium midway through the 2008-09 season.A serious gambling problem threatened to jeopardise his career, the 28-year-old claiming to have blown £1.5million on betting during his time in East London.But Pulis has praised the way Etherington has turned his life around and won over the Stoke fans with a number of match-winning displays for the club.Pulis has also challenged his winger to go on and win a place in Fabio Capello's England squad, after he was tipped to win a cap last season.Pulis told The Sun: "The contract is close to being done."He had major problems but the club have really helped behind the scenes with Matty's personal life."That's what has settled him down and made him a more rounded person. He has that side of his life sorted out now, which is important."England is still very much a possibility for him. If he hadn't been injured last season, he would have been closer to getting into the squad."You take a chance with every player you sign but, fortunately for me, it came off."I think he's happy to be out of the bright lights and up in Stoke."He has been as good a signing as we've made, is an exciting player and the crowd love him."Stoke are also understood to have made an offer for highly-rated Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley.However, the Potters face strong competition from Celtic, with Cardiff boss Dave Jones expecting the Wales international to move to the SPL.Pulis added: "We've spoken to the kid and that's it. He knows where we are with him."

Source: Team_Talk