Stoke City are hoping to beat off Everton and Marseille to sign Cameroon international midfielder Stephane Mbia from Rennes in a club record £9 million deal.
Mbia is due to fly to England today to open talks with the
Potters after City boss Tony Pulis, backed by owner Peter Coates’ cash, has moved ahead in the chase, although the terms of a four-year contract have yet to be agreed.
Marseille came close to signing Mbia last week but were unable to finalise a deal, while
Everton boss David Moyes is reported to be put off by Rennes’ asking price.
The 6ft 2in 23-year-old has been playing regular first-team football for the last four years, and first broke into the Cameroon national team at the Beijing Olympics.
Marseille were stunned when Mbia rejected the French outfit and his arrival in England may force Everton into trying to match Stoke's fee – although the Potters remain confident they will land their man.
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