Stoke eye Etherington move

Zola ready to let winger go

Last updated: 6th January 2009

Stoke eye Etherington move

Etherington: Stoke talks

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Sky Sports News understands Stoke are in talks to sign West Ham winger Matthew Etherington.

Etherington has dropped down the pecking order in Gianfranco Zola's plans in recent weeks despite making an impressive impact during the early days of the Italian's tenure.

The former Tottenham and Peterborough star has made only one appearance for the Hammers since mid-November in Saturday's FA Cup win over Barnsley.

Zola has admitted he is keen to trim his squad at Upton Park and it appears Etherington is deemed surplus to requirements as the club look to balance the books

Stoke chief Tony Pulis has been in the market for a left-sided midfielder for some time after trying to sign Joe Ledley during the last transfer window.

Pulis has been alerted to Etherington's availability and he is now ready to bring the 27-year-old to the Britannia Stadium.

Boost

Meanwhile, Stoke defender Abdoulaye Faye has been cleared to face Liverpool this weekend after the Football Association admitted to an administrative error over his disciplinary record.

The FA had logged the big defender as having five bookings after an alleged yellow card against Portsmouth in October, but it was revealed to be a case of mistaken identity with Amdy Faye being cautioned and not his namesake.

Stoke submitted video evidence to show that it was Amdy and not Abdoulaye Faye who had been booked during the defeat by Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Following an enquiry and submission of video evidence made by the club, the booking has now been changed in The FA's records, meaning Abdoulaye is free to feature this weekend."