[Novo]

VASQUEZ PLAYS DOWN STOKE LINK

Sweden Under-21 midfielder Andres Vasquez has played down talk of a move to Stoke.

The free agent was quoted in Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet as saying that he had been offered a contract with Tony Pulis' side.

But the 21-year-old has distanced himself from such a move, saying he is in talks with FC Zurich about playing for the side next season.

He told Fotbollskanalen.se: "I read in a Peruvian newspaper that I was on my way there (Stoke) and that I said to Aftonbladet that they were interested.

"But I have never said such a thing."

Asked what he would think if Stoke were interested, he replied: "It is of course flattering if a club in the Premier League would want you."

But he added: "I have a dialogue with Zurich. They say that they want me for next season.

"I am ready to stay. I am motivated. I want to play in Europe and it feels stimulating to maybe play in the Champions League.

"But the transfer window opens, so we will see what happens."