‘We’re close’ - Shrewsbury Town in pursuit of Stoke City’s Favour Fawunmi

Shrewsbury Town are “close” to agreeing a deal for Stoke City youngster Favour Fawunmi.

Fawunmi has been on trial with Salop during pre-season as the club explores a potential loan move.

The 20-year-old has trained with Gavin Cowan’s squad and featured in the second half of Town’s pre-season draw at Stafford Rangers.

Speaking after Shrewsbury’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Radcliffe in the Isle of Man, Cowan confirmed the club is making progress in its pursuit of the wide man.

“Yeah, we really like Favour, the Salop chief said.

“We’re in conversations with him at the moment, hoping to close in on him. Again, we have to balance the books somewhat.

“He did exceptionally well at Leyton Orient last year. So yeah, we’re close to agreeing that and just want to get it over the line.”

Shrewsbury are currently operating under an EFL transfer fee restriction, meaning they cannot pay transfer fees during this summer’s window. As a result, loan signings and free transfers are their only options.

Fawunmi is under contract with Championship side Stoke City until next summer. He joined the Potters in February 2025 after leaving West Ham United, where he progressed through the club’s academy.

Cowan was impressed by the youngster’s display during his second-half cameo against Stafford Rangers.

Fawunmi joined League One side Leyton Orient on loan in February for the remainder of last season. However, the spell was cut short in early April after he suffered a hamstring injury.

He returned to Stoke’s Clayton Wood training ground to continue his rehabilitation.

The striker made seven appearances for Orient, adding to the two Championship outings he has made for Stoke.