Stoke are finally closing in on the signature of giant defender David Wheater, over 12 months after they first made a bid for the former England Under 21 international.
Wheater, a regular in the Middlesbrough team for four years since he broke into the side, is desperate tor return to the top flight after Boro's relegation 15 months ago, and failure to even make the play offs last season.
The Potters have already have £2m and £3m bids rejected this summer but have now added bit part player Andrew Davies, who came through the ranks at the Riverside Stadium, and is highly thought of on Teeside, to the equation and the ready made replacement looks set to sway the Championship side into accepting the deal.
Wheater can play at right back but is a centre back by trade and aswell as standing 6 foot 5 inches tall he is strong and athletic.