Stoke summer swoops: Potters plot Carrillo and Cattermole captures?
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Stoke City, odds-on at 4/7 with Coral for a top half finish, have identified two summer transfer window targets, according to the weekend tabloids.
Potters boss Mark Hughes will reportedly use his continental connections to capture Peru winger Andre Carrillo, 23, from Sporting Lisbon, who is set to be the subject of a £3m bid.
Republic of Ireland forward Jonathan Walters, plus Nigerian pair Peter Odemwingie and Victor Moses (on loan at the Britannia for this term from Chelsea) are all of contract at Stoke this summer, so there is set to be an overhaul of attacking areas.
Walters, 31, has been linked with a free transfer to link up with former Potters boss Tony Pulis, now at nearby West Bromwich Albion. Odemwingie (knee ligaments), 33, and 24-year-old loanee Moses (hamstring) are both out injured, meanwhile, so thus face uncertain futures about a new deal and making a permanent move.
Carrillo has caught the eye at Lisbon outfit Sporting, meanwhile, making 14 assists and scoring seven times in 40 outings across all competitions so far this season. The capital club could win silverware this term, having booked their place in the Taca de Portugal final, which looks like being against Braga, who hold a 3-0 first leg lead over Rio Ave in the other semi.
Stoke are also linked with a £6m swoop for Sunderland destroyer Lee Cattermole, with the Midlands team ready to capitalise on a potential Black Cats relegation (an even-money chance following a heavy home loss to Crystal Palace).
Rugged holding midfielder Cattermole, 27, has played in just four of the last 13 matches for the Wearsiders so, should they go down, Hughes is understood to be happy to offer the player a chance to remain in the Premier League.
Honduras hatchet-man Wilson Palacios is set to leave the Potters when his deal expires this summer, so the capture of Cattermole could breed competition for places in the engine room with Steven N’Zonzi and Glenn Whelan.
