Stoke coach staying patient

Last updated : 30 July 2010 By BBC Sport

Stoke coach Mark O'Connor believes one big-money signing will trigger several transfer deals in the Premier League.The Potters have only added Portsmouth teenager Florent Cuvelier and former Everton goalkeeper Carlo Nash to their squad during pre-season.

O'Connor told BBC Radio Stoke: "For example, if Manchester City sign James Milner, that will trigger it all off.

"Aston Villa would spend that money and then another team will release someone else. It will all kick on after that."

Milner was the subject of a reported £20m bid from Manchester City during the World Cup, which was rejected by the Midlands club.

Stoke continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against relegated Burnley at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium on Saturday.

"I know it's an old clich?ut the season starts on 14 August," said O'Connor. "At the moment, we need to make sure that every player is getting plenty of time on the pitch and making sure they don't pick up any injuries.

"Hopefully the manager [Tony Pulis] can go into the opening game against Wolves being able to pick from a full squad."

The Potters also face Bristol Rovers and Wrexham in pre-season matches before the trip to Molineux in the first weekend of the campaign.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport