Stoke City’s expectations on future of 30-y/o outlined as Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and West Brom circle | OneFootball

Stoke City are expecting midfielder Sam Clucas to depart the club over the next few days as he closes in on an exit from the Bet365 Stadium this summer, according to the Stoke Sentinel.

Clucas is a player that has faced an uncertain future this summer, with reports having emerged early on in the transfer window that the Potters would be willing to allow him to leave the club on a free transfer before July. That comes with them looking to trim the wage bill of some of their highest earners.

The 30-year-old’s potential availability has seen him attract the attention of various clubs in the Championship.

It has been reported by The Sun journalist Alan Nixon that the likes of Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers, Nottingham Forest and Millwall are all interested in making a move for the midfielder with the Potters wanting to find him a new club.

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There have also been further reports recently from Football Insider that Clucas is on the radar of West Brom as they aim to make the right additions to their squad to help them challenge for promotion next term.

According to the latest update from the Stoke Sentinel, the Potters are now expecting Clucas to seal an exit from the Bet365 Stadium in the next few days.

The verdict

It would make sense if Clucas’ departure was wrapped up in the next few days especially considering that it is thought that he could be available on a free transfer until July. Therefore this is the best time for any of his potential suitors to make that successful move for him without having to pay out a transfer fee to Stoke.

Stoke clearly want him off their wage bill as soon as they possibly can do and that should enable them to free up some extra wages for Michael O’Neill to then start maybe adding to his squad further. The midfielder has been a strong performer at times in his time at the Bet365 Stadium but it seems right for both parties that he moves on this summer.

The likes of Forest, Blackburn, Sheffield United and West Brom will all be scrambling to try and make sure that they win the race for his signature ahead of the other sides interested. Signing the 30-year-old on a free transfer this summer would have to be seen as a coup for any of those teams.