Buckley Hoping On Paterson

Paterson still has yet to sign a new contract with Stoke with the youngster thought to be unhappy with the potential for first-team football under Tony Pulis.

Although a Stoke fan through and through, Paterson recognises his chances of first team football will be seriously limited if he stays in the Championship.

Having already had a successful stay at Blundell Park last season, Paterson has spoken briefly to Alan Buckley about his situation although he is still weighing up his options with Stoke.

Buckley is remaining coy on the issue, ruling the club out of any bidding war for the player although it is thought Town have prepared a suitable transfer fund for Paterson, one which Stoke would accept.

‘I have spoken to Martin (Paterson) and I think he is waiting to see what is on offer,’ Buckley told the Grimsby Telegraph.

‘If he stays at Stoke then maybe there is a possibility of another loan with us but that is all just talk at the minute.

‘He knows what I think of him but if other clubs are willing to pay a fee for him or go to tribunal then I don’t think we can really go down that road.’

Paterson isn’t Buckley’s only striker target as he looks to replace the departed Gary Cohen and Michael Reddy with one high class striker, although the goalkeeping situation is still the priority.

‘I have talked with three or four other players as well and we are keeping our options open,’ he added.

‘There are several areas I would like to strengthen but, like I have said, the goalkeeping area is top of the list at the moment.

‘Up front, it is no secret that I would like a high calibre striker.

‘But we already have Isaiah Rankin, Gary Jones, Danny North and Andy Taylor so we are not starting from scratch.

‘We just have to wait and see what happens and who is available.’