Stoke City- We've done all we can to keep Commons.

4th June 2004

Stoke City have insisted that there is nothing more that they can do to try and keep Kris Commons at the club. It is believed that Commons is about to chose Nottingham Forest over the Potters due to the lure of being able to play for his hometown club.

Stoke City's director of football John Rudge did not speak of any interest from other clubs, although accepted the fact that the decision was out of his hands:

"We are desperately keen for him to sign. We have made him an offer and are waiting for a response," said Rudge.

"We made a new improved offer and he had four weeks to respond, of which there are probably two weeks remaining," said Rudge yesterday.

"We haven't had an indication whether he will sign or not, but we are doing our utmost to encourage him. There are talks of several clubs being interested in him, but no-one has spoken to me and it is not our intention to sell him.

"We have offered the player a three-year contract and we have been trying to get him to sign for two years - even when he was injured. He had indicated he wanted to sign, but he hasn't agreed to do that yet.

"We rate him very highly, but when a player is out of contract, all you can do is wait and see if they will stay."

Listening to the way Rudge is speaking, it does seem to sound as if they are doubtful of the player signing and that he will be on his way here shortly.