Report delivers update on Stoke pursuit of Chris Brunt amid concerns at the Bet365
Stoke City’s pursuit of West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt is not dead in the water yet, according to the Stoke Sentinel.
The newspaper claimed on their website that Brunt being 35-years-old was a concern to the Potters, but manager Michael O’Neill remains keen.
Brunt confirmed that he would be leaving the Hawthorns at the end of this season after spending 13 years with the club since joining from Sheffield Wednesday.
O’Neill is wanting to lower the average age of the Stoke squad ahead of next season, a move that is backed by the club’s board.
Bringing in Brunt would hinder that, but with Stephen Ward, 35, expected to leave at the end of the campaign, it could be seen as a straight swap.
Despite the Baggies legend playing primarily in midfield, Stoke are exploring the possibility of playing him as a left-back at the Bet365 Stadium.
It should be a clear path for Stoke to swoop in for the Northern Irish hero from the Hawthorns, with his exit already confirmed at the end of July.
The only question is whether or not he still has what it takes for the Championship. The veteran has played five times this season, in various different positions.
Brunt has been there and done it, and his experience could be vital to a side like Stoke. The midfielder has completed 4.82 interceptions per 90 minutes according to WyScout – a better average than Jake Livermore.
O’Neill will know how to get the best out of Brunt from their time together on the international stage, and this could be the perfect move for him at the end of his career.
In other West Brom news, Bilic has confirmed a major boost for Baggies ahead of the clash v Birmingham
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