Stoke City have launched a late loan bid for Manchester City outcast Wilfried Bony. The Potters have struggled for goals and see the available Bony as a perfect cure to their struggles. Manchester City, meanwhile, are reportedly looking for a £2m loan fee for the player, although no one is aware of what they plan on doing with it. And also a major part of the discussion will be hefty pay package the Ivory Coast international was earning at City, reportedly £120,000-a week. Manchester City are expected to keep paying a substantial amount of that as they look to help their under contract players gain a suitable opportunity to find a club.
Stoke City have been in the market in their quest to sign a striker for a considerable period of time now and while they have diligently waited for Saido Berahino to become available almost throughout the summer, the emergence of Wilfried Bony as a loan prospect has probably proved too good to be avoided. But the Potters are still said to be keen on Berahino and will pursue him till the end. It is understood West Bromwich Albion are reluctant to sell unless they find a replacement.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, Stoke City have got off to a disastrous start and they currently find themselves at the bottom of the heap with a solitary point from a trio of matches and also possessing the worst goal difference in the league. Mark Hughes has strived to bring about a transition in the team with more emphasis on creative play whilst not completely letting go of their physical aspect. And in trying to do so, he has achieved mixed results. While they managed a 9th place finish last season, the team is lacking any sort of identity at the moment. Players such as Bojan, Arnautovic and Shaqiri are capable of much more but the recurring issue has been their inability to find a proper target man who could put away the chances created. Joselu and Mama Biram Diouf have been largely unsuccessful with one of them expected to leave the club by tomorrow.
Though Wilfried Bony has been deemed surplus to requirement at City, the vastly different playing style from his current club is expected to suit the 27-year old. He still retains a fear factor amongst the defenders as it is widely accepted his failings were due to lack of opportunities and distinctly different playing pattern of the Sky Blues. He was tremendous for Swansea before making the big money move and Mark Hughes will hope to complete his signing and look to get on the training pitch with the burly Ivorian as soon as possible.
