Stoke City quiet on Juan Agudelo transfer from MLS to EPL

Jun 2, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Juan Agudelo (10) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Juninho (19) and defender A.J. DeLaGarza (20) defend during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Stoke City are refusing to comment over reports that they have made a move for promising New England Revolution and United States National Team striker Juan Agudelo according to ESPN FC.

Sources in the United States are convinced the 20-year-old has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Potters and will join them after his MLS contract expires on December 31. Still the Potters of the English Premier League are now apprehensive to confirm the deal the nature of the contract extending the move from being finalized until the next transfer window starting January 1 of 2014.

Americans Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea and Maurice Edu already play for Stoke City, who are undergoing an identity change from the hard nosed stylings of Tony Pulis at manager to former Manchester United star Mark Huges being under the helm this season. It appeared that the young Agudelo, who has bounced around the MLS despite having clear potential, was on Hughes watchlist as he goes about rebuilding Stoke City after the club splurged on veterans in recent years.

Stoke, who play their first home game under manager Mark Hughes when Genoa visit on Saturday for a friendly, are believed to want to sign at least one more forward before the transfer window closes, meaning that if the Revs want to hold onto Agudelo that the Potters would have to find a player up front in the meantime

Former England international Peter Crouch remains linked with a possible departure, Michael Owen has retired and Cameron Jerome this week found himself embroiled in a betting controversy which could see him hit with a ban. The Revs seem to be set on keeping Agudelo for the rest of the MLS season, leaving the risk that Stoke City explores other options.

Hughes is still interested in Hannover’s Mame Biram Diouf of the Bundesliga as he looks to add to summer signings Erik Pieters and Marc Muniesa before a trip to Liverpool kicks off the club’s 2013/14 EPL campaign.

Diouf, a Senegal international, has an impressive record in the Bundesglia, having managed one goal in every two games, while he is approaching his prime at the age of 25.

Stoke are also thought to be considering a swoop for Troy Deeney, whose 20 goals last season helped inspire Watford to the Championship play-off final.

More on this saga will likely come in the next couple of days as New England and the MLS have to decide if offloading Agudelo now is a wiser decision with Stoke City appearing to be balking at the notion of waiting until the next transfer window to find a new striker. The ball is now in the Revs court.