Sunday 24 August 2014 12:07, UK
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is not anticipating any further signings before the transfer window closes, but is adamant he has money to spend.
Hughes’ only significant outlay this summer has been on Bojan Krkic, with Phil Bardsley, Steve Sidwell and Mame Biram Diouf arriving on free transfers and Victor Moses joining on loan from Chelsea.
However, Stoke have made bids for Norwich winger Nathan Redmond and Liverpool attacker Oussama Assaidi without getting the deals over the line.
With just over a week remaining in the transfer window, Hughes is happy with his squad and the budget he has available for new signings.
“We had a number of targets that we made good bids for,” said Hughes. “But having money and the opportunity to spend it is not always a given.
“The club selling holds all the cards. You get so far down the line but a lot of things need to fall into place before you conclude a deal.
“Sometimes we probably offered over the odds because we wanted the player that much.
“We were prepared to do that and there’s definitely been a willingness inside the club to spend the money. But it still has to be the right deal.
“I’m sure the money will be there to spend in the future, I’d like to think so, and if there are other opportunities we will pursue them.
“I don’t anticipate anyone else coming in. We’re very happy with what we have. Every game we’re likely to have two good players sat in the stands. That tells you how strong we are.”
