Stoke City manager Mark Robins says any club not interested in star man Sorba Thomas would be ‘mental’ but stopped short of discussing Hull City‘s rejected bid.
Robins started the Welsh international on Tuesday night against the Tigers in the Carabao Cup despite the Premier League newboys seeing a bid turned down on Monday.
Thomas, who scored a stunner against City last season, carved out the opener for Robert Bozenik to give the Potters the lead, before Kieran Dowell crunched in a stunning equaliser barely five minutes later. Sergej Jakirovic’s men eventually won the penalty shoot-out 5-4, though the wide-man scored his spot-kick.
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Hull Live understands Thomas wants the move to East Yorkshire, and is hopeful both clubs can agree a deal before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline.
“An update on Sorba? He’s our player. That’s the update. There’s nothing to report,” Robins told the Sentinel. “I was asked downstairs if it was strange for Sorba, but he’s our player; it’s not strange for him at all. He’s putting on the Stoke City shirt, which he’s proud to do, and put in a performance like he did. He’s made the goal, got another assist, there is nothing else to say.”
City chief Sergej Jakirovic spoke briefly about Thomas when asked by Hull Live, and described the Wales international as “a difference maker” who he knew all about in the Championship.
Given Thomas was involved directly in 23 goals last term, scoring 10 and coming out with 13 assists, the most in the second-tier, Robins says it’s no surprise there’s interest in the 27-year-old.
“One hundred per cent, what you’ve said there is absolutely true. If people aren’t interested in Sorba Thomas, then they’re mental. The fact is that he had the highest output of any winger in the division last season, scored 10 goals, 13 goals he created, 23 goal involvements, and that’s something he can even surpass. I’d be shocked if people weren’t keen on him, but he’s our player, and he’s doing pretty well for us.”
If City can strike a deal with the Championship club in the next few days, Robins is relaxed about the situation and says the club do have a plan if Thomas should move on. “I’m thankful that I don’t need to worry about that at this stage – but don’t worry, we will have contingencies, I’m sure.”
The Tigers were close to signing Thomas two-and-a-half years ago when he was playing for Huddersfield Town, but on loan at FC Nantes in France. City had agreed terms with the Terriers, but were thwarted by Nantes, who remained determined to keep the Welshman. City signed Louie Barry instead, and Thomas joined the Potters for £1.5m later that summer.
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