In an effort to fend off interest from other potential suitors, Stoke City will make a change in approach as they look to make a January swoop for Blackburn Rovers winger, David ‘Junior’ Hoilett.
The Canadian international has impressed greatly over the past year and is reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.
However, Stoke are also keen on the player and are now offering a player-plus-cash deal, with Jermaine Pennant said to be going in the opposite direction.
The Potters would still need to pay up in excess of £4m for the 21year-old but if their summer spending spree was anything to go by, funds should be readily available.
Tony Pulis’ side splashed over £18m on the Tottenham duo made up of Wilson Palacios and Peter Crouch and also signed Cameron Jerome from Birmingham for an estimated £3.5m.
Although Pennant is set to be sacrificed in the proposed offer, his skill set is certainly nothing to be sniffed at.
The former Liverpool and Arsenal wideman has had an impressive year of his own at Stoke, signing in January 2011and making over 50 appearances for the club since.
Despite reaching what some may call the later stages of a player’s career, the 28 year-old has shown that he still has some of the pace and all of the crossing ability he displayed in his prime.
Hoilett will no doubt find a more lucrative contract at Old Trafford or Anfield, but if Stoke take an early initiative this January, the prospect of assured first-team football may tempt the youngster into a Brittania Stadium switch.