Kenwyne Jones has denied reports he has been offered a new contract at Stoke City, but admits he would welcome discussions on the subject.
The Trinidad and Tobago international only made 12 starts under Tony Pulis last season, but he has been given a new lease of life under Mark Hughes. He has already featured four times in the first eleven, with another appearance coming from the substitute bench. And last month he issued a reminder of just why the Potters forked out £8million for his signature in 2008, when he scored a hat-trick against Walsall in the League Cup.
Jones is out of contract at the end of the current season, and Hughes has challenged the 28-year-old to earn a fresh deal. And whilst the former Sunderland striker has dismissed reports he has already agreed new terms, he insists he would welcome the opportunity to discuss his situation and extend his stay at the Britannia Stadium.
When asked about the suggestions a new contract had been wrapped up, the 6ft 2in Trinidadian hitman told The Sentinel: “That’s absolutely wrong. Talks are always welcome. Whether or not you have a resolution at the end of the talks we will see.”
Jones, who has also scored goals for Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday since arriving in England almost a decade ago, will likely be given another chance to impress in the League Cup third round at Tranmere Rovers this week. He will then aim to notch a first Premier League goal since December on Sunday, when Norwich City travel to Stoke.
