Stoke City give up on Oussama Assaidi transfer chase

Stoke City appear to have given up in their chase to sign Moroccan international Oussama Assaidi on a permanent deal. Liverpool have reportedly rejected all of Stoke's offers for the player so far.

After an impressive loan spell at the Britannia last season, Stoke had hoped to bring in the midfielder on a permanent deal. However, despite there having been discussions taken place between both clubs, it is understood that Liverpool have decided against a transfer away for the player.

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes confirmed that a bid had been made, but Assaidi would not be likely to move to the club: "We've spoken to Liverpool about Oussama and we've spoken to his agent. Sometimes deals look difficult to do and this one, if I'm frank, this is in the very difficult section."