Rivals could block Stoke targets

The Potters are rumoured to want both Chris Riggot and Gary O'Neil from Middlesbrough but the Teesiders, locked in a relegation battle with Stoke, are unlikely to let the two players go to one of their closest rivals.

Chris Riggot had a succesful spell on loan at the Britannia Stadium last year, and both he and O'Neil would strengthen the squad and add a little more Premier League experience for the vital run in.

This season sees an unbelievably close relegation battle and Boro, along with Spurs, Blackburn, Newcastle, Portsmouth and WBA would be reluctant to strengthen Stoke's position at this stage.