Tony Pulis: Stoke have to sell before buying

Tony Pulis says Stoke City may have to sell before they can bring new blood in during the January transfer window.

Pulis admitted his side looked tired in the second half of the 3-0 defeat at Manchester City and hopes to lift the club with reinforcements in the coming weeks.

"We have to bring money in to do it," the Stoke boss told Sky Sports. "If we can wheel and deal and get a few out then hopefully we'll be able to bring a couple in and give us some fresh impetus

"We are in that position where one or two may have to leave first. Last year we didn't freshen and we fell away but we have to try and wheel and deal to generate some money."

Pulis was left looking enviously at the champions' riches during the defeat at the Etihad Stadium and knows the spending power of clubs like Manchester City has a huge impact.

"What was the difference - it was about about £220million. If we haven't got our A-game on - and I thought we were a little bit away from that - and they are at their best then it's always going to be difficult.

"But also you have to keep shaking the cage to get people to understand it. There is a massive difference in lots of respects from this club to ours and sometime it isn't going to go for us."

One decision that went against the Potters was the penalty which led to the Blues' third with Steven N'Zonzi appearing to challenge David Silva outside the area. Sergio Aguero slotted home the resulting spot-kick.

"We've been disappointed this year," said Pulis. "We have had quite few decisions go against us and it looks as if another one has as well. But what can you do.

"That hasn't been the first one; it's happened a few times against this football club."

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Source: SkySports