Stoke City have a tough fight in their hands to retain their top-flight status this season. with just 27 points from 31 games, the Potters, who are now under Paul Lambert, need a strong finish to the season, to make sure that they move out of the drop zone come the end of the campaign.
But that has not stopped the club from searching for star players who can improve their squad next season and one such player they are extensively linked with is Manchester City youngster Angus Gunn.
Having started his youth career with Norwich City, Gunn moved to the academy at Etihad in Manchester in 2011 and was loaned back to the Canaries at the start of the current season. He has established himself as the first choice under Daniel Farke this season, keeping 14 clean sheets in 38 Championship appearances at Carrow Road.
Known for his reflexes and ability to throw himself in front of shots from point-blank range, the 22-year old is an athletic shot-stopper, who has shown that he is ready for top-flight action, standing as one of the most consistent players in his position in the second tier in England.
He has represented England at every junior level till the U21s but is also eligible to play for Scotland, who are desperate to lure him away. And reports claim that he is also a wanted man at club level, with a number of teams in the UK interested in his services.
According to reports from The Sun, Scottish giants Celtic have made him a priority for the summer while Norwich City want to retain him on loan for another season. However, Stoke City are also in the race for his signature and want him as a replacement for the in-demand Jack Butland on goal.
The English shot-stopper has extensively been linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool in recent months and the Potters have set their valuation at £40m. If they do end up selling, they are ready to move for Gunn, and could even look to sign him on a permanent basis.
Manchester City regards the 22-year old as a serious star for the future and might not be ready to sell him anytime soon. But they will surely be happy to send him out on loan and Stoke City will do well to lure him to BET365 this summer.
However, a lot depends on Stoke’s future in the Premier League. So they will have to be at their very best until the end of the season, to even stand a chance of signing players like Gunn.
