August
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

Thorne started of by saying

“I’m happy to carry on playing at Stoke.”

Talk of a big money move to Cardiff City though must be on Thorne's mind. The newspaper speculation and the amounts of money involved will make it hard for Thorne to avoid the speculation.

Thorne said

“There does seem to be a bit of uncertainty about what’s going on and the speculation does affect you.

“I would be lying if I said anything else, because at the end of the day it could be my career and my future at stake.

“I’m not sure what’s happening, but there is no way I am going to start rocking the boat and saying this or that.

“The club have not said to me they don’t want me to stay and asking to leave has never crossed my mind.

“I’m just happy to get on with playing and doing my best for Stoke. I’ve had five good years and some good times here and I have always been very happy.

“I’d love to be here when we get promoted – we’ve got a massive fan base but in the last few years we have struggled to give them the success they deserve.

"I'm one of the few players still around from when we were relegated in 1998 and I’d love to help the club get back in Division One."

As far as any deal goes the latest we understand is that City have increased their offer, last thought to be £1.5m but Stoke are holding out for £1.8m. While the Potters do not wish to sell their prolific goalscorer they are in financial difficulty and my well be forced to sell.

Stoke fans are unhappy at the thought of losing a player who has regulararly scored 20 goals a season at this level and their will be more unrest if Thorne were to come to Ninian Park.

City are hoping to have a frnt man signed before the trip to Reading but the clock is ticking with only 3 days to go before a massive match for Cardiff City.

The other targets, Andy Booth and Iwan Roberts have had far less speculation over the last couple of days. Roberts is currently in Norway with Wales and Booth was watched by Hammam and Cork last weekend but nothing further has come from that.