Stoke City have joined the likes of Sunderland, Everton, Blackburn and Celtic in the hunt to negotiate a wage cut with out-of-favour City frontman Craig Bellamy and offer him a season loan at the Britannia.
Bellamy whom has one year left on his current contract at Eastland’s has been left red-faced as Roberto Mancini will force the Welsh International skipper, along with a host of outcasts to train alone or amongst themselves as the Italian has made it clear he is not involved in his future plans, therefore he must steer clear of the training ground as the squad return to prepare for the new campaign.
The feisty front man spent last season on loan at Cardiff City, featuring in the Championship rather than the Premiership football scores, finding the net 11 times as he pushed his local team towards promotion coming mighty close. I’m sure another season spearheading the bluebirds towards the top flight would be a dream for Bellamy, but his wage demand has put that idea bed.
According to The Guardian, City have no intention of sanctioning a deal covering any of the player’s wage, as they did last season making it possible for Cardiff to take him.
Tony Pulis is thought to be keen to test the water where Bellamy is concerned, but it is clear he would have to take a large cut on his £90k a week. The 31 year old has bags of experience at the top level and would be a promising addition where the potters are concerned as they look to build a squad that can cut it in Europe as they continue to improve .
Celtic are also pushing for his assistance according to the Daily Record, but yet again the high maintenance of the player is a problem, and he would have to see a dramatic pay cut of up to 60% to make a return to Parkhead.
The striker has made an impact one way or another wherever he has played and would certainly make his presence known no matter where he takes up his occupation come the new season, but one thing is for sure, he will have to lose at least half of his weekly wage… My heart bleeds.
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