Former Bristol City favourite Aden Flint is a summer target for Stoke City following his release by Cardiff City, with the Potters battling with League One Derby County for the centre-back.
Flint is looking for a new club after three seasons in south Wales and although the Bluebirds are still to publish their retained list for this summer, the defender has confirmed on social media he’s leaving.
Derby had appeared to be front-runners for his signature but as the completion of Chris Kirchner’s takeover continues to be delayed, other clubs have had time to assess their options in the market.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon reports that Stoke are able to improve on the terms he’s been offered by the Rams plus have the added incentive of staying in the Championship. Stoke want another centre-back following the loan return of Taylor Harwood-Bellis to Manchester City.
With 243 Championship appearances, including 146 for City, Flint is a hugely experienced figure at this level and chimes with reports over the weekend that Michael O’Neill wants a “dominant” centre-back in his squad.
The deal could also have implications for City given Stoke had been considering an approach for Tomas Kalas as he enters the final 12 months of his contract at Ashton Gate. Should they be successful in landing Flint, that could mean any prospective attempt to sign the Czech Republic international is abandoned.
Unlike Flint, Kalas would command a transfer fee and although it’s not been made explicitly clear he’s “on the market”, with his contract expiring in 2023, City have to willing to consider any bids for the 29-year-old.
Manager Nigel Pearson has also spoken of a wish to level-up the salaries within the squad, and as the club’s highest earner, Kalas is an obvious candidate to be potentially moved on, should the right offer be forthcoming.
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