Opinion: Why Stoke City’s imminent addition could have unforeseen benefit for the Potters

Championship side Stoke City are closing in on the signing of Reading midfielder Josh Laurent, according to a Twitter update from journalist Mike McGrath.

The 27-year-old’s contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium expires this summer and with this, he has been able to enter negotiations with the Potters who look set to seal a much-needed addition.

With Joe Allen out of contract in the summer and not guaranteed to sign fresh terms, Peter Etebo likely to be offloaded and Romaine Sawyers departing the club on the expiration of his loan deal, this is an area that needed to be strengthened and Laurent’s presence will help to fill the void left by the latter.

Not only is the ex-Shrewsbury Town midfielder able to play in a holding role – but also in an advanced midfield position – popping up at vital times for the Royals last term and proving to be a reasonably decent asset going forward.

With Mario Vrancic and Nick Powell two attack-minded players and likely to be effective for Michael O’Neill’s side if they both remain at the club, Laurent may be useful in a more defensive role, protecting Reading’s defence well during his first season at the Select Car Leasing Stadium when playing alongside Andy Rinomhota.

His versatility is one hidden reason why this signing could be particularly good – because he also showed last season that he can fill in at the back – proving to be excellent in central defence away at Fulham last September and playing there a number of times throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

The Potters have seen both Liam Moore and Taylor Harwood-Bellis leave last month and James Chester is also set to be released on the expiration of his contract, so there’s work to be done in this area if O’Neill wants to operate