Lawrence close to new deal

Potters winger hopes to have new contract finalised in two days

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 8th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Lawrence close to new deal

Lawrence: Eager for new deal

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Liam Lawrence has revealed that talks over a new contract are ongoing but he hopes to get everything finalised in the next two days.

The 27-year-old has made no secret of the fact that he feels he deserves a better salary and he has handed his demands to Stoke.

The winger wants to commit himself to the Potters for four years in a deal which would also see him paid alongside the club's highest earners.

The former Mansfield man struggled with injuries for most of last season but finished strongly having started the final 13 Premier League games of the season to help Stoke ensure their top-flight status.

"I just want to get signed to stay at Stoke for the next four years," Lawrence, whose current contract has 12 months to run, said.

"It has been a long, difficult process and could go either way. We are not far apart but the next two days are crunch time."

Negotiations

Salif Diao is another Stoke player looking to commit his future to the club although he admits if a deal fails to materialise at the Britannia soon he will not be afraid to walk away.

"I really want to stay, which is why I have not signed anywhere else," he highlighted.

"That's been difficult because of the pressure from other clubs wanting me to sign. I am 32 and I need to make sure I sign the right contract for me and my family.

"My first choice would be Stoke, but if we don't agree on terms we would have to go elsewhere."