Stoke City make interest in Alonso known to Wanderers
7:00am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Sport By Marc Iles
STOKE City have emerged as a surprise candidate to sign Marcos Alonso before tonight's transfer deadline.
Although Italian giants Fiorentina remain in the driving seat to sign the Spanish full-back, and all signs point to a summer deal, it has now emerged that Tony Pulis's Potters have also made an enquiry.
Nottingham Forest were the first English club to ask about Alonso, whose contract runs out in the summer, but they have stepped back because they are unable to offer the same financial package as the Serie A club.
Stoke would not have that problem, and though they have yet to make a formal offer, it is understood the club could test the water with a bid later today.
Fiorentina have also not ruled out making an offer for the 22-year-old, with sporting director Daniele Prade admitting they were finding negotiations tough going yesterday afternoon.
“I think it would be hard to take him right away, because Bolton are making a stand," he said yesterday. “If we don't find an agreement with them, then we will do everything in June.”
Wanderers are thought to want £600,000 for the Bernabeu product should he leave before the deadline.
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