Crouch chooses Stoke over Sunderland but complications arise
Published:Earlier today Peter Crouch was 1/1 to join Sunderland but it seems the Tottenham Hotspur striker would prefer a move to Stoke.
Having left Tottenham’s Chigwell training ground at lunchtime, a move away from White Hart Lane looked imminent but punters were almost certain that Crouch would be heading to Sunderland.
Instead the striker is heading towards Stoke-on-Trent and a meeting with Stoke manager Tony Pulis.
The transfer is likely to be completed by the 11pm deadline tonight, but Crouch and Tottenham have to iron out contract concerns before he can leave.
Because Crouch hasn’t requested a transfer, Tottenham and Crouch have to agree a compensation package based on the remainder of Crouch’s contract, although this shouldn’t be a big issue.
It is believed the fee for Crouch is in the region of £10m and the striker will be following his former Tottenham team-mate Wilson Palacious to the Britannia.
Sunderland will be disappointed to learn that Crouch has snubbed their club for Stoke but it is believed Stoke’s proximity to London was a big factor in Crouch’s decision.
Having been excluded from the England squad for the European Championship qualifying ties with Bulgaria and Wales, the move offers Crouch a fresh start.
Crouch made 47 appearances for Tottenham last season but only managed to score 11 goals, and Pulis will be hoping for a better return from Crouch.
With Cameron Jerome in talks at Stoke over a £4m move now, Pulis is set to improve his strike force markedly in the next couple of hours and Stoke will be many people’s dark horses for a European spot this season.
