Kitson absence fuels Potters talk

Striker Dave Kitson was missing from Reading’s side to face Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday evening, fuelling speculation his move to Stoke City is inching closer.

The Premier League new boys are desperate to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season with keeper Scott Carson and striker Kitson, who was officially ill, high on the wanted list.

Championship outfit Reading are holding out for £4million for the 28-year-old Kitson, who netted 10 goals for the relegated Royals last season. Potters boss Tony Pulis sees the skillful frontman as the ideal foil for star striker Ricardo Fuller, but is hoping to negotiate on Reading’s top-end valuation.

“We are hoping to make big signings, I think we have got to and everybody realises that we have got do,” said Pulis.

Middlesbrough are also rumoured to be interested in the former Cambridge hitman, who is contracted at the Madejski Stadium until 2010.

The Hitchin-born star is keen to continue his career in the top flight though, and Pulis believes Kitson could be a key signing as the Potters aim to avoid being every punters’ banker Premiership bet to be relegated in their first season.