Stoke City 'interested' in versatile Premier League man who ticks several boxes
Stoke City have joined the growing list of Championship admirers in versatile Crystal Palace utility man Jeffrey Schlupp, it is claimed.
The 32-year-old has already been linked with interest Blackburn Rovers, Alex Neil's Millwall and Preston North End. Schlupp is also reported to be liked by Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs as well, including San Diego FC and Charlotte FC.
Now transfer specialist Pete O’Rouke has claimed that Stoke and Mark Robins' former club Coventry are “interested” in Eagles player before the close of the current transfer window.
READ MORE: Stoke City tipped to make loan swoop for second Liverpool forward
READ MORE: Stoke City predicted team vs Portsmouth as Mark Robins weighs up recall
Schlupp is out of contract at the end of the season and has been limited to 16 substitute appearances in all competitions this season, including 12 in the Premier League . It’s understood that Palace are likely to allow the experienced campaigner – who helped Leicester City win the Premier League title in 2015/16 – to leave this month.
He could leave on loan or potentially agree a settlement with Palace to join another club permanently. Stoke currently have two free loan spots as Championship clubs are allowed to name five in a match day squad.
Schlupp ticks a lot of boxes for Stoke in terms of positions, having played at left-back, left wing and as a central midfielder while at Palace, as well as providing experience.
Stoke left-back Eric Bocat is currently recovering from a calf injury while influential Enda Stevens has to be used carefully. He is just back from a month on the sidelnies with a calf problem of his own. Lynden Gooch, who has also filled in at left-back, missed a draw with West Brom last Saturday due to injury but is expected to be back this week.
It remains to be seen whether Gooch will be included in Stoke's squad for a mid-week trip to Stevens' old club Portsmouth.
While you're here, we have launched a new WhatsApp group to deliver the latest Stoke news directly to your phone. Click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in. If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave at any time by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group', simple as that.
