By OneNil
June 7 2003

Despite rumours linking striker Ade Akinbiyi with a move to Bescot, the Nigerian striker is almost certain not to be at Bescot next year. Last week, TheSaddlersFC reported:

“He seems to have no future at Selhurst Park, while Stoke City have not moved to sign the player, despite him making an impact at the end of the season.”

Reports from Stoke however are suggesting that although City boss Tony Pulis would like to take the former Wolves and Leicester striker to the Britannia Stadium, the club cannot afford it. Pulis admitted:

"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."

Akinbiyi joined Palace from Leicester for £2.2 million only a year ago and if Stoke are unable to afford him, he is almost certainly out of our financial league.