Exclusive: Stoke City star rejects move after club accept bid

Josh Laurent has turned down a move to Turkish side Sivasspor after Stoke City accepted a bid, sources have told Football Insider.

The 29-year-old is entering the last year of his contract at the Bet365 Stadium, and has been told by the club that he is free to pursue other opportunities.

Birmingham City are interested in making a move for the central midfielder but may find it hard to agree a fee with Stoke.

Laurent is said to be happy to bide his time at the Potters and wait for a more attractive opportunity to come along after rejecting a move to Turkey.

Stoke City are willing to let Laurent leave

Laurent was named Stoke City club captain a year ago and featured in 37 Championship matches last season, playing a key role in the Potters’ successful bid to avoid relegation.

The dynamic midfielder arrived at Stoke on a free transfer from Reading in the summer of 2022 and has since made 76 appearances for the club, contributing eight goals and six assists.

Losing Laurent would significantly weaken Stoke’s midfield options for the upcoming season, especially with Ben Pearson sidelined after hamstring surgery and Daniel Johnson also potentially leaving the club this summer.

Whether Laurent stays or goes, manager Steven Schumacher will look to bolster his midfield in order to avoid relegation.

In other news, West Ham close in on full-back transfer.

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