Stoke City’s position over Éric Bocat is being tested again. Fresh interest now comes from Italy as the January window moves forward.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Parma are closely monitoring the 26-year-old left-back. The report states that the Italian club’s executives are scheduled to meet on Saturday. They want to decide whether to proceed with a formal approach. And if they do, the expected structure would be a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
From Stoke City’s point of view, however, the stance remains firm. Tavolieri explains that Stoke City are asking for at least €2m to part with Bocat. However, they are still hopeful of keeping the Frenchman at the club beyond January.
That position follows recent developments. Stoke already rejected a loan proposal from Standard Liège earlier in the winter, judging the financial terms to be insufficient.
In addition to Parma, Tavolieri adds that Sassuolo are also attentive to Bocat’s situation, suggesting growing competition from Serie A sides. The left-back remains under contract at Stoke until 2028, which strengthens the Championship club’s hand in negotiations.
While outside interest continues to build, Stoke’s intention appears clear for now, as they weigh sporting needs against the financial demands of any potential January exit.
