Stoke still searching for striker

Whelan feels his days at Middlesbrough are numbered and said last week that he would consider turning his loan stay at Crystal Palace into a permanent arrangement.

Stoke are in desperate need of a proven striker capable of firing them away from relegation trouble, but Whelan decided against a move to the Britannia Stadium.

Potters manager Tony Pulis said: "We wanted Noel here and thought he could do us a good job, but he did not fancy it.

"That's the thing, the players have got to want to come here and do a job for us while helping themselves. It can be an issue of money, but not always."

The Nationwide League transfer deadline is a little over a week away and Pulis will continue his search for a goalscorer.

He added: "We are not a free-scoring side and I have to address that fact.

"Believe me I`m trying but it is proving very difficult at this stage of the season."