Coates reveals transfer plans

Stoke chairman Peter Coates says they will not throw money at the European transfer market unless they are sure about the player.

Potters boss Tony Pulis is taking advantage of a free weekend to travel to Europe to check on potential transfer targets for next season now the club's place in the Premier League is guaranteed. A striker is high on Pulis' wanted list and there are bargain to be had as Newcastle have proven when landing the likes of Papiss Cisse, Yihan Cabaye and Chieck Tiote. Such players have taken the Magpies to verge of the Champions League, but Coates says Stoke will be careful when bringing in players from abroad as there are also one or two duds out there. "Everybody is lauding Newcastle," he told the Sentinal, "and they have done well. But it can be hit and miss, a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack sometimes. "We simply want to attract players who are right for the club, wherever they are from. It's all about getting the right ones who can improve you within your budget."