Stoke City were one of several Championship clubs interested in signing 21-year-old American midfielder Rokas Pukštas from Hajduk Split this summer. Boro are now nearing the signing of the player after a €5m deal was agreed with the Croatian club. Birmingham City also showed interest, and it was understood there was less firm interest from Hull City and Burnley. Pukštas joined Hajduk in July 2022, has a contract until 2027 and has been capped twice by the USA U23 national team. His current market value is €6.00m, according to Transfermarkt. In June 2026, Hajduk Split's asking price was reportedly around €6 million. In late 2024 and early 2025, the Croatian club rejected offers from Parma ranging from €5.5 million to €7 million, as they were demanding €10 million at the time.