Stoke City latest: Armstrong bid accepted, Champions League interest in Bae Jun-ho, Celtic star on radar | OneFootball

FLW rounds up all the latest news and rumours coming out of the Potteries

Highlights

Stoke City are undergoing a big summer of clear-outs and wise transfer decisions as they look to finally push on in the Championship.

Steven Schumacher is in his first summer window as Potters boss, and has already decided to dip his toe into the transfer market, with standout goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, experienced centre-back Ben Gibson and exciting wing-back Eric Bocat arriving from Rotherham United, Norwich City and Sint-Truiden respectively.

Numerous first-team players like Tyrese Campbell and Ciaran Clark have departed upon the expiry of their contracts, while centre-backs Matthew Baker and David Okagbue have rejoined Newport County and Walsall on respective permanent deals and young goalkeeper Tommy Simkin has also joined the Saddlers on a season-long loan.

Stoke finished 17th at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and are yet to finish in the top half of the second tier since relegation from the Premier League in 2018, so they need to improve their squad this summer while also keeping hold of some of their top talents in order to finish higher in the Championship.

There will be plenty of incomings and outgoings on their radar in the coming months, and with that in mind, Football League World outlines the latest transfer news coming out of the Potteries.

Stoke, Bristol City bids revealed for Sinclair Armstrong

Republic of Ireland international Sinclair Armstrong looks set to be on the move from Queens Park Rangers this summer despite signing a new contract extension, and Stoke are among the clubs linked with his signature as Schumacher looks to add to his striking ranks in the transfer window.

The Potters have joined Bristol City in the race for the 21-year-old, according to John Fallon of the Irish Examiner, and new details have now emerged over the potential fee to prise him away from Loftus Road in the coming months.

The Irish Independent's newest report states that both clubs are thought to have reached an agreement with the R's for a fee in the region of £2.5m, and it is now seemingly up to Armstrong and his team to negotiate personal terms with each club and choose his next destination.

The Irish Examiner has also hinted at current Potters sporting director Jon Walters possibly being able to influence the 21-year-old's decision, given he worked as an assistant to Ireland U19 manager Tom Mohan during Armstrong's year at that level.

Feyenoord in Bae Jun-ho pursuit

Stoke face a battle to keep hold of young South Korean international Bae Jun-ho this summer, and the first concrete transfer link involving his potential departure from the club has broken in the last few days.

A report from Dutch outlet 1908.nl has revealed that Feyenoord are interested in signing Jun-ho, and are in contact with his agents ahead of a potential €2m move in the coming months.

The 20-year-old is reportedly 'charmed' by the interest from the Dutch giants, but South Korean journalist Jason Lee has stated that Stoke are asking Feyenoord for at least €9m to even consider letting him leave, with his contract not up for another three years and the Potters in no rush to sell.

He won the club's 2023/24 Player of the Year award for his dazzling performances in his debut campaign, and Pete Smith of StokeOnTrentLive has reassured supporters that there are no plans to sell the Korean starlet 'barring an incredible offer.'

Stoke join Bosun Lawal chase

Steven Schumacher is looking to bolster his ranks in a number of positions this summer, so it makes sense as to why Stoke have been linked with a move for versatile Celtic youngster Bosun Lawal.

The 21-year-old can play at centre-back, right-back or defensive midfield, and the Potters have registered an interest in bringing him to the bet365 Stadium this summer, according to Football Insider.

Their report reveals that Stoke face competition for his signature from AFC Bournemouth and Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, with Celtic expected to be willing to listen to loan and permanent offers and Lawal himself said to be open to leaving the Glasgow giants if they’re unable to offer him any first-team chances this season.

The Republic of Ireland youth international joined Celtic from Watford in 2021, but has made just one senior appearance for the club so far and impressed on loan at Fleetwood Town last season, prompting serious interest this summer, with Birmingham City and Fortuna Sittard both also linked with a move by the Daily Record.

Despite some good performances in recent pre-season friendlies, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has stated that Lawal "needs to (perform at) a much higher level," and he "wants a lot more" from him if he is to break into their team for the upcoming campaign.