Stoke City could finally make a serious attempt to sign Town's Jon Walters today, according to reports in the Potteries. Over the summer Tony Pulis's side have been constantly linked with the 24-year-old but are still to make an offer.

Claims that the Potters have made a bid have appeared on an almost weekly basis throughout the close season. The most recent claim came on Saturday with Town immediately issuing a denial.

Walters is believed to want a move nearer to his family in the North-West and has asked for a transfer, although has not gone as far as making an official request in writing. Town want a fee of at least £3 million for last season's Player of the Year, but would prefer to keep the former Blackburn trainee at Portman Road.

According to Stoke's local press, the Potters will look to start serious discussions regarding Walters today.

Meanwhile, on the South Coast, Rudi Skácel is reported to be on his way out of St Mary's before tonight's deadline. Town came close to signing the 29-year-old left midfielder last month, but the deal fell through as the Czech was concerned that continuing to play in the Championship would affect his chances of playing international football.

Skácel, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Hertha Berlin, was said to be looking for a new club in Germany, but has remained with the Saints with no one other than Town showing serious interest.

A report on the South Coast last week claimed that Town could revive their move for the former Hearts man, who had undergone a medical and agreed personal terms regarding a £1 million switch before the deal fell through.

Town are very much still on the lookout for a left-sided midfielder with Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson, who TWTD first linked with a summer move to the Blues in June, and West Ham's Kyel Reid amongst Jim Magilton's possible loan options.

Meanwhile, Nuremberg announced over the weekend that Greek striker and former Town target Angelos Charisteas would be staying at the club.

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