Stoke City are in the lookout for Championship bargains as they prepare for their first full season under Mark Robins.
Liam Manning has expressed his wish to reunite with free agent Harry Darling at Norwich City.
Manning, who previously managed centre-back Darling at MK Dons, has spoken publicly about his interest in one of the more intriguing out-of-contract Championship players this summer.
Darling will receive numerous bids, including from his present club Swansea City, who believe they have made him a strong offer to remain in South Wales.
Stoke City, Birmingham City, and supposedly Wrexham and Sheffield United are also believed to be interested in him, however Rangers are considered to be the frontrunners now that Russell Martin, another of Darling’s former managers, has been recruited.
Manning, who left Bristol City to become Norwich’s new manager last week, has spoken openly about his pursuit of Darling during his first news conference.
When asked about transfers, Manning responded: “I don’t want to put a number on it, but I’ve done my best to appraise the group, and we know which positions we’re aiming for. I had a nice time with Harry (Darling) a few years ago, and I’m sure he’ll have a lot of offers, but I believe he’d be a fantastic fit.”
Darling has been an almost constant presence for Swansea over the last three years. Swansea director of football Richard Montague stated last week that “the ball is very much in Harry’s court.”
We made him what we thought was a very strong offer, which I believe he would consider to be extremely strong.
“We are, and have been throughout the period, reviewing our alternative choices in that position to ensure we are adequately covered.
“Our job has basically been to weigh the odds of Harry signing a deal with other players, trying to match those deadlines to make sure we don’t fall behind. I don’t think we’ll be caught short.”
Stoke City have already made their first summer acquisition, acquiring winger Sorba Thomas from Huddersfield Town.
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