Geoff Cameron doesn't get transfer, will stay at Stoke City

The transfer deadline has passed and Geoff Cameron is still a Stoke City player. The American wanted a move away from the Potters, but the club turned away reported bids from Sunderland and Southampton and have chosen to hold onto him.

Cameron has played primarily right back ever since joining Stoke, much to his chagrin. The 29-year-old sees himself as a central player, either in defense or midfield, and so do most people, Jurgen Klinsmann included. He was hoping to make a move to a club where he would get his chance to play in the middle and several teams were said to be interested. In addition to the two offers that came in, several other teams in England, Italy and Germany were all linked to him, but the Potters chose to hold onto him.

Another problem for Cameron is that he isn't going to be first choice at Stoke. They bought Phil Bardsley this summer, opting for a more natural fullback, so now the American will have to be a utility man. Cameron's flexibility, being able to play all across the backline as well as in the midfield, makes him extremely valuable to the Potters, but it isn't good news for Cameron or the U.S.

Cameron is currently sidelined with a side injury that forced him off the U.S. roster for their friendly against the Czech Republic and he's going to be in a race to get fit for Stoke's next match. The injury isn't considered serious so there is no long-term concern, but his status at Stoke and possible lack of playing time certainly is.