Stoke have endured further disappointment in their search for a new manager after Martin O’Neill walked away from negotiations over the role.
O’Neill has turned down the chance to take up the vacancy at the bet365 Stadium to continue as Republic of Ireland manager, leaving Stoke facing the nightmare prospect of starting the process afresh.
Discussions have been taking place over the weekend after Quique Sanchez Flores changed his mind to stay with Espanyol rather than accept the post.
A solution could not be found, with 65-year-old O’Neill understood to want a contract to 2020.