Carsley still deciding on future

Koen Freriks

3 augustus 2006, 13:41

Coca-Cola Championship side Stoke City have withdrawn from the race to sign Everton's former Irish international midfielder Lee Carsley.

Having spent most of last season on the sidelines following a serious knee injury, Carsley could be on the way out of Goodison Park this summer.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy and Stoke boss Tony Pulis had signalled their interest in the 32-year-old - but Pulis has subsequently ended his pursuit of the combative midfielder.

Potters chairman Peter Coates said: "I never stopped Tony from making that deal. Tony changed his mind overnight and said he didn't think it was right for us.

"He liked the player, but didn't feel comfortable because of his age, injury record and the money he was asking.

"It is Tony deciding if a player will improve us and if the deal is good value. And that's exactly as it should be."