Stoke turn down defender bid

Wilkinson: Wanted

Stoke City have rejected a bid from Blackpool for Andy Wilkinson, and are hoping to extend the defender's contract.

Wilkinson had a spell on loan at Bloomfield Road last season and Blackpool were looking to land the 23-year-old on a permanent deal.

The Seasiders have made an improved offer of £150,000 for the Stoke youth product, which has been repelled by Tony Pulis.

Wilkinson has a year to run on his current deal with The Potters and Pulis wants the stopper to put pen-to-paper on a new contract.

"The offer they have made is unacceptable," the Stoke manager told The Sentinel. "They haven't come back with an offer we want.

"If Andy wants to stay here we will talk about that with him."

Barker staying

Meanwhile, Blackpool are also having to fend off reported interest from Leeds in defender Shaun Barker.

But the 24-year-old, who joined Simon Grayson's side from Rotherham last summer, is committed to the Championship club.

"It is a massive thing for me as a footballer to move back up to this level," Barker told the Blackpool Gazette.

"It's quite a while since I last played in this division and it's good to be back.

"As a footballer you want to test yourself at the highest level possible and I can't wait to face the teams we are going to be up against this season."