Three League One sides are eyeing a summer swoop for a Stoke City transfer deal.
Steven Schumacher, Ryan Lowe, and Steve Bruce are all reportedly in a three-way battle to sign striker Niall Ennis from Stoke City this summer.
Schumacher, now at Bolton Wanderers, and Lowe, managing Wigan Athletic, both previously worked with Ennis at Plymouth Argyle, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Championship. Schumacher brought Ennis to Stoke from Blackburn in January 2024 for around £500,000. Though still under contract with Stoke for another year, Ennis impressed on loan at Bruce’s Blackpool, scoring seven goals in 19 appearances.
Bolton is said to have Ennis on their radar, and Lowe has publicly praised him, emphasizing his goalscoring record and past success under his management. Lowe noted that while Ennis remains under contract with Stoke, Wigan is always watching for quality players.
Bruce echoed a similar sentiment, stating that while he would like to keep Ennis at Blackpool, the decision ultimately rests with Stoke. He plans to speak with Ennis soon but acknowledges Stoke holds the final say.
Ennis himself has spoken positively about working with Schumacher, highlighting the tactical clarity and pace demanded in the Championship, and the value of learning under his former coach.
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