ACCORDING TO REPORTS, Glenn Whelan’s future at Stoke City could become a lot clearer later this week when manager Mark Hughes is due to meet with the club’s chairman Peter Coates to discuss future plans.
The Stoke Sentinel says the Republic of Ireland midfielder, who is quickly approaching the final six months of his current deal, wants a minimum two-year extension. The 30 year-old has been with the Potters since 2008 and has racked up over 200 appearances for the side, establishing himself as a crucial part of Tony Pulis’ overachieving team.
Under Mark Hughes, he’s flourished too though injuries have interrupted his season and may count against him when the hard bargaining begins. Stoke, as per many Premier League teams, don’t want to agree medium-to-long term deals with players approaching the final years of their career and may feel they have enough in central midfield to deal with a possible Whelan departure.
The preference, naturally, would be to sell the former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder in January rather than lose him for nothing next summer.
A number of top-flight clubs are reportedly in the mix to sign Whelan should he fail to come to an agreement with Stoke.
Swansea, Crystal Palace and Sunderland are all believed to be monitoring the situation.
First published at 12.29
It seems two different managers at the club rate him highly enough to play him regularly in the premiership. The same at international level. Why the hate?
Whelan has over-achieved hugely in his career. Very limited player.
Limited but does the job he’s required to do
He’s only 30 yrs old ?? Moves like he’s 50+
He moves??????
Ridiculous the stick he gets for Ireland…I could half understand it if he was keeping any great performers out of the team but their just isn’t any
He came up with Stoke when they got prometed 6 years ago and he’s one of the only few of that team still there. Obviously does an important job for them. Good luck to him he’s made a great career for himself.