Bang goes Stoke's record

Stoke are close to signing Sambegou Bangoura for a new club record fee.

Stoke are on the verge of a club record move for African star Sambegou Bangoura.

The 23-year-old is currently at Standard Liege in Belgium, but admits he is desperate to come to England and join The Potters.

"I am happy to be here and want to come to Stoke City, but my second agent doesn't come here until Wednesday," Bangoura told The Sentinel.

Stoke boss Johan Boskamp is using his reputation abroad to broker the surprise deal, and has already agreed a six-figure fee with the Belgian club.

Bangoura has an impressive record at Liege, scoring 22 goals in 50 starts for the club, and his recent exploits had attracted interest from Blackburn, Feyenoord and Bordeaux.