This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Stoke City could be set to swoop in for Aden Flint amid Derby County interest in the defender.

As per reporter Alan Nixon, the Potters are making a "last gasp" bid to sign the giant central defender under the Rams' noses, with the 32-year-old set to become a free agent when his current Cardiff City deal expires later this month.

With Taylor Harwood-Bellis returning to Manchester City following his loan at the Bet 365 Stadium, Nixon claims that the Potters want an experienced defender at the back next term.

Nixon also states that the Potters hope that Championship football and the offer of a higher salary will be enough to entice the 32-year-old.

With that in mind, we asked some of our writers here at FLW for their thoughts on Flint's potential move to the Bet 365 Stadium.

Toby Wilding

This could be a very useful signing for Stoke if they get it done.

With Taylor Harwood-Bellis' loan now over, and James Chester having been released following the expiry of his contract, the Potters do need to add some extra options to the centre of their defence.

If they were to bring in Flint to do that, they would be getting a defender who knows just what it takes to compete at Championship level, and who should still have the physicality to make an impact in the second-tier.

His availability on a free transfer could also be useful in terms of keeping funds available for other signings as well, meaning this looks to be one that may worth pursuing for those in charge at Stoke.

 

 

Ned Holmes

Aden Flint could be a useful addition to Michael O'Neill's squad and likely a cheap one as well.

Playing in the back three that the Northern Irish coach favours could help to hide his lack of mobility while we know what an asset he can be in both boxes.

He'd be an obvious set piece threat but he's hardly a like-for-like replacement for Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

I think Stoke can be more ambitious than Flint and that a League One move would likely bring out more of the best in him.

That said, as a cut-price option it could certainly work.

Billy Mulley

I understand the sentiment, and I do agree that the Stoke City defence would be bolstered by experience, but I believe they could be slightly more ambitious.

Possessing excellent more youthful options in Harry Souttar and Ben Wilmot, a more experienced central defender does not only create a better sense of balance, but it will also help develop the aforementioned duo.

A dominant defender in both his aerial and ground duels, and posing a significant threat from set-pieces, Flint would be a good addition at a lower half Championship club, with Stoke likely to set their targets higher than that.

Perhaps someone like Michael Hector or Gary Cahill might be a better option.