Bolton Wanderers are fighting a losing battle in their pursuit of Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
The Bolton News says talks have been held with the England winger but Stoke City now appear to have tabled a rival bid, with the promise of a bigger basic salary.
Tony Pulis has plenty of money to spend and after recruiting high-profile names in Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate, also looks in a good position to sign Tottenham pair Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios.
It is understood the Potters would comfortably afford the player's wages, which have proved a stumbling block for Wanderers, but Coyle still remains a major pull for Wright-Phillips who is also thought to prefer a stay in the Manchester area.
