May 30 2003

Ade Akinbiyi

Stoke City revealed they are keen to sign Ade Akinbiyi but admit they haven't got the cash to fund his wages.

Akinbiyi went on loan to Stoke at the end of last season and his two goals helped keep them in Division One.

Now Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who worked with Akinbiyi when he was manager of Gillingham, wants to take him on a permanant deal.

But Pulis said: "We cannot get anywhere near the financial package he is on.

"We would be interested in signing Ade because I think he would do well here, but I would say it was out of the question.

"Palace would want a fee as he still has two years left in his contract and I do not think many First Division clubs would be in a position to take him."