£1M Striker Signing on his way?
Last updated : 23 August 2005 By Rob Stanway
Boskamp has been after this particular striker since he first came to the Britanina Stadium and it now seems it may become a reality.
Bangoura spoke to the media today and stated: "I am happy to be here and want to come to Stoke City." But he added: "We talk, but my second agent doesn't come here until Wednesday."
Rudge and Boskamp spent the previous evening dining with Bangoura, after his club, Standard Liege, have agreed a £1M transfer fee with the potters.
The nearest City have come to this transfer figure was the signing of Brynjar Gunnarson, who now plays for Watford, who was signed for £600,000 in 1999.
Chief Executive Tony Scholes was exited but also realistic about the player's chances of coming to the Britannia Stadium. “We still have to finalise terms with the player and his agents, the player has to undergo a thorough medical, and finally there is the not insignificant issue of successfully appealing for a work permit", he said. “We are in mid-talks but there are a number of important issues still to be resolved. The transfer window closes next Wednesday so we would need to get the hearing in before then.
“At this stage we would prefer not to be talking publicly about this deal because it is not yet completed. Talking about a deal before its completion can not only alert other clubs but also it may subsequently prove to be falsely raising supporters’ expectations.
“However, details have appeared in the media and our supporters are understandably excited about the possibilities.
“He is a player Johan Boskamp knows well and one who has been on his wish list since he came to the club. If we can secure his services we will do.”
