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Transfer news: Jon Walters aware he could soon be leaving Stoke

Image: Jon Walters: He and Peter Crouch are generating transfer talk

Jon Walters concedes that added competition for places at Stoke City could lead to him being ushered towards the exits.

The Republic of Ireland international has spent the last four years at the Britannia Stadium and is closing on 200 appearances for the club – having once figured in 100 successive Premier League fixtures.

It remains to be seen, though, whether Walters figures in the plans of manager Mark Hughes for the 2014/15 campaign.

I don’t want to be one of those players who just picks up his money and has it cushy. I’m at an age where I want to be playing and not be a bit-part player.
Jon Walters

Speculation has already suggested that he could be on his way out, and the 30-year-old forward admits he may have to move on if regular game time is to be limited.

Walters said in The Sentinel: “We now have a huge squad and I’m pretty sure the club will want to get players out.

“There will be speculation because I haven’t played as much and I see there have been rumours about myself and Peter Crouch.

“It’s not for me to consider, it’s for the club. But if the manager turns round and says we’ve got enough players and we are accepting an offer, what can you do?

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“But there’s got to be an interest in the first place and I don’t know about that.

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“As a player you are the last to know until you’re told you’re not in their plans. But nothing has been said to me. That’s for people higher up than me.”

Walters, who has been linked with the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, added on his future: “I’ve been here four years and got two years left on my contract so I’m not pushing to do anything.

“But on the other hand, I can’t just sit back like a lot of other players can and just pick up the money from a contract which pays us a good living.

“If you’re not getting game time on the pitch, you’re not content.

“I don’t want to be one of those players who just picks up his money and has it cushy. I’m at an age where I want to be playing and not be a bit-part player.”