Stoke City To Win Race For Highly Sought-After Defender
Stoke City have entered into negotiations with Premier League giants Chelsea over the potential loan of England under-20 international Bashir Humphreys, according to TEAMtalk.
The defender has been linked with a number of Championship clubs throughout the transfer window, with Chelsea hoping to tie the youngster down to a new long-term contract before sanctioning his temporary exit.
It was reported last month that Swansea City were closing in on his signature, with manager Michael Duff confirming that there had been agreement, although cited at the time that there were still some ‘technical issues’ to iron out. The move since stalled, although the Welsh outfit are thought to still be keen on the deal.
Stoke City look to have stolen a march in the race though, with TEAMtalk’s report claiming that they are in talks with the Blues. There is no indication on how long the loan would be for, although the Potters would presumably be looking at a season-long deal.
It is also claimed that a number of EFL clubs remain interested, as well as several from the continent. Coventry City were one of the clubs linked with the player earlier in the transfer window.
Humphreys spent the second half of last season at German side SC Paderborn, making 13 appearances, and started Chelsea’s 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.
Writer’s View
Bashir Humphreys is a player who looks destined for a big future, but a move to the Championship at this stage of his career is the best thing for him. Aside from his loan to Germany last year, he has tasted senior football when he was thrust into the deep end by starting Chelsea’s 4-0 defeat against eventual treble winners Manchester City in the FA Cup in January.
Stoke are a club with big ambitions and have set their sights on at least a play-off spot this season. It’s been an indifferent start for the Midlands club, winning two and losing two of their opening four league fixtures. They host Preston North End tomorrow afternoon in their final fixture before the international break and manager Alex Neil will be hoping that he has some new faces at his disposal.
