Stoke City-linked striker ends transfer speculation by penning deal

News and transfer gossip from the bet365 Stadium as Stoke City head into the summer window

Jay Rodriguez has ended speculation linking him with a move to Stoke City, Huddersfield Town or Wrexham by signing a new contract at Burnley.

The 34-year-old striker was a free agent this summer as he wound down his deal at Turf Moor, where he had made 21 appearances in the Premier League in the season just finished. But he was offered fresh terms before manager Vincent Kompany left for Bayern Munich and it has now been announced that he is staying put.

“It’s a great feeling and a real privilege to represent Burnley, my hometown club,” he said after agreeing a one-year contract. “Being offered another year was a proud moment and there was no way I could say no.

Everton set to go head-to-head with Premier League sides for Northern Ireland youth star

Everton are in the race to sign Aodhan Doherty from Linfield with West Ham United and Brighton also said to be interested, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

The Northern Ireland youth international has already held trials with the Hammers and Stoke City but stayed with Linfield.

He signed a professional contract which runs until 2026 but this hasn’t stopped the Toffees from registering their interest.

Everton could look to bring him in this summer and beat Premier League opposition to his signature.

Everton looking to add Aodhan Doherty to their youth ranks

There is no secrecy about the financial issues that the Toffees have suffered in recent years with Farhad Moshiri at the helm.

The owner has been desperate to sell the club and sort out any problems that have plagued the club and any progress under Sean Dyche.

Everton secured Premier League safety with time to spare this campaign and will be looking to add to their squad ahead of next season.

Doherty could be a useful pick-up by the club as he is unlikely to cost a large fee and could work his way through the youth ranks.

Although it isn’t necessarily usually what Dyche does, the Northern Irishman could have a chance to make his way into the first team picture.

The manager doesn’t have too much of a previous record for bringing youth through, he undoubtedly improves players.

With free and cheap transfers being paramount to Everton this summer, Doherty could prove to be a clever addition to the club this summer.

In other Everton news, Manchester United’s stance on a £100million move for one Toffees star has emerged ahead of the summer.