Transfer activity is picking up at Stoke City

Maksym Talovierov became Plymouth’s record signing in January.

Stoke City are hoping to make Maksym Talovierov their second summer signing in what would be a major piece of pre-season business.

The 6ft 4in Ukraine international is hoping to close a deal and join Sorba Thomas as a new face under Mark Robins. He broke Plymouth Argyle’s transfer record when he signed from Austrian club LASK late in January for about £1.7 million and gave a glimpse into his power and aggression over the next few months as he took immediately to the Championship.

His impact, plus the arrival of fellow centre-half Nikola Katic, was largely credited with why Plymouth suddenly had a chance of staying in the division when they had been all-but written off at the turn of the year. Katic has since followed manager Miron Muslic to Schalke but Stoke have managed to muscle their way to the front of the queue for Talovierov amid much competition.

He has been away with Ukraine for games in Canada during the close-season and was due to report back to his club this week – but it was clear he needed to resolve his future.

Here is a run through of the rest of the transfer whispers and other latest Stoke City stories.

Enda Stevens training with Chesterfield

Eagle-eyed Chesterfield fans have spotted Enda Stevens in their club’s pre-season training video after officially becoming a free agent.