Paul Lambert hopes to beat deadline to bolster Stoke squad
Monday 29 January 2018 19:38, UK
Stoke manager Paul Lambert hopes he can strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes on Wednesday night.
Lambert, whose side host Watford that evening, is looking to add to his ranks ahead of the final 14 matches of the season which will determine the Potters' Premier League destiny.
The club has been heavily linked with a move for Galatasaray midfielder Badou Ndiaye, but Lambert would not be drawn on any interest in the Senegal international.
"(Chief executive) Tony Scholes will deal with that side of things," said Lambert. "We have spoken about players and there is players we think can help, but January is a really difficult month to bring the right type of people in."
Asked whether he had watched Ndiaye, Lambert said: "I have looked at a number of players since I came here. There is a number of lads we have looked at and who we think can help us. If we can get one or two in, then great."
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Lambert won his first game in charge against Huddersfield on January 20 and has had a full week to work with his players with Stoke not featuring in the FA Cup this weekend.
That victory saw Stoke climb out of the relegation zone and another three points on Wednesday night has the potential to propel Lambert's team up the table.
"The league is so tight and every game is huge for us," said the Scot. "I said when I arrived that we had 15 cup finals left to play, we've won one and now this is the next one.
"If we win on Wednesday we could end up being somewhere near 10th place in the table, it is so tight.
"We have had a great start winning the first game and there is a good feeling around the place and some momentum, even from the fans. Hopefully we can give them some more of the same.
"Not playing in the FA Cup at the weekend, while it's a shame not to be in the competition, was beneficial for us as we have had chance to work on a few things."
