Sources: Stoke City open talks to sign Alfie Mawson after Fulham exit
Stoke City are in talks to sign defender Alfie Mawson, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old is a free agent after leaving Fulham earlier this summer when his contract expired.
Stoke boss Michael O’Neill is keen to bring in another centre-back before the close of the transfer window after losing out to Rangers for Ben Davies.
O’Neill held talks with Mawson this week and the former Swansea defender fits the bill for what the Stoke boss wants to add to his squad.
He joined Fulham in 2018 for a reported initial fee of £15million but made just 52 appearances for the Cottagers.
Mawson made just eight appearances for the Londoners last season as they earned promotion to the Premier League as champions.
The serial loanee has played across all four English divisions in a career spanning 266 games - and even earned a call-up to the England senior squad in March 2018.
He had a temporary spell at Bristol City during the 2020-21 season but made just 14 appearances after suffering two long-term knee injuries.
Stoke City have already completed the signing of one experienced Championship star this week - with Dwight Gayle joining the club from Newcastle on a two-year deal.
The Potters have already bolstered their centre-back ranks with the signings of Aden Flint and Harry Clarke this summer.
O'Neil's side will be targeting a top-half berth in the 2022-23 campaign after a disappointing 14th-place finish last season.