Stoke City’s pursuit of an ex-Premier League defender has stalled due to disagreements over personal issues.
Stoke City’s talks to recruit free agent Ciaran Clark have reached a halt over personal issues, according to Patreon reporter Alan Nixon.
Stoke City had a busy summer transfer window, but that hasn’t stopped them from considering free agents. It was rumoured in early September that they were interested in ex-Newcastle United defender Clark, but time has passed and the Irishman remains without a club.
Reporter Nixon has provided a new update on the situation.
On his Patreon, he stated that the Potters’ pursuit of the 34-year-old has hit’snags’ over personal issues. Talks have continued, but no agreement has been achieved, and the deal is stalled.
Clark has been without a club since leaving Newcastle at the end of the season. He spent the season on loan with promotion-winning Sheffield United, however he only appeared 11 times for the Blades, scoring two goals.
Clark has been without a club since leaving Newcastle at the end of the season. He spent the season on loan with promotion-winning Sheffield United, however he only appeared 11 times for the Blades, scoring two goals.
Will they be able to strike an agreement?
Time will tell whether Stoke City and Clark can overcome these obstacles and complete the transaction. The defender’s experience might make him a valuable addition to Alex Neil’s squad, but if an agreement cannot be made, it may not be long before Clark looks to other clubs in his quest to return to the game.
Clark has appeared in almost 200 Premier League games for Newcastle United and Aston Villa. He’s also experienced Championship football, having appeared 44 times in the second tier.
Stoke currently have Ben Wilmot, Luke McNally, and Michael Rose as centre-back possibilities. Enda Stevens is another option, however he has mostly played left back since his arrival. Another center defender would be welcome, but only time will tell if a deal for Clark can be struck.
