On Monday sources revealed exclusively to ProSoccerTalk that U.S. international Geoff Cameron is edging closer to a move away from Premier League side Stoke City.
The versatile 29-year-old American is being chased by a whole host of PL sides, plus Italian giants Lazio.
Teams said to be in the hunt for Cameron’s signature include Sunderland, Hull City, Leicester City and Southampton among others.
[RELATED: Transfer Rumor Roundup]
Stoke are said to be reluctant to sell Cameron, who has become a key component for the Potters over the last two seasons since he moved to England from Major League Soccer.
The former Houston Dynamo standout started three of the USA’s four games at the World Cup this summer, with Cameron deployed at both center back and in a central midfield role by Jurgen Klinsmann.
If a switch to Serie A side Lazio comes off, Cameron would be making a massive step up as the Roman club are one of the biggest sides in Italian soccer. Lazio are currently rebuilding after a drama-filled 2013-14 season saw them finish in ninth. It is believed that players will be moved on from the Stadio Olimpico this week to make space for Cameron’s arrival. Lazio’s manager, Stefano Piolo, is said to be a big fan of the towering American as he looks to add to his squad ahead of the Italian season beginning this weekend.
[RELATED: Cameron interesting several PL clubs]
With the transfer window set to slam shut on Monday Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. ET, Cameron’s future at Stoke hangs in the balance as he hasn’t played in any of their opening two games of the PL season.
Cameron has played at right back for Stoke in the past two seasons and the Bostonian has excelled while playing out of position. During that time Cameron was ranked second in the league in tackles made and interceptions by Opta. However it is believed that Lazio, and the host of interested PL clubs, are planing to offer Cameron the chance to play in his preferred role in central defense or central midfield.
As for his potential destination, Southampton seems like the biggest club Cameron could leave Stoke for. Saints are undergoing a massive rebuild and are in need of more defensive depth. While Sunderland are also a very attractive option with U.S international Jozy Altidore already on board under American owner Ellis Short. As revealed by PST back in January, Sunderland made a last gasp bid for Cameron which Stoke turned down.
Now it seems like he’s almost certain to be at a new club within the next week.