Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has revealed that he missed out on signing Emmanuel Riviere to Newcastle United this summer.
The French attacker opted to join the Magpies from Monaco, and he is expected to face Stoke when the sides meet at the Britannia Stadium this evening.
Hughes believes that Riviere was not committed to a move to the Potters.
"We had conversations with people close to him," Hughes told Sky Sports News. "There was an indication he may be available this summer so we pursued it to a certain extent.
"We were able to offer decent money but there has to be a feeling that the enthusiasm we have for a certain player is reciprocated.
"We didn't get that from the player or his advisers."
Riviere has scored two goals in seven appearances for Newcastle this season.
Written by
Steven Toplis
Steven Toplis
