REPUBLIC OF IRELAND international Jon Walters has been left out of the Stoke City squad for today’s clash with Norwich, with the Canaries having bid £1.5 million for his services earlier this week.

He had been suffering from a virus but trained on Friday and his absence from the team will increase rumours that his departure is inevitable.

There has been a stand-off involving the attacker’s contract with Walters wanting three years but the Potters not willing to budge on their two-year proposal.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the Brittania Stadium next summer.

With the arrival of Xherdan Shaqiri, Walters’ position in the Stoke starting XI would appear to be under threat and the Swiss international makes his debut for the side at Carrow Road this afternoon.

With Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Brady already at Norwich, Walters’ arrival at the club would certainly increase the Irish influence.

Originally published at 14.46

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