Stoke City’s hopes of adding to their forward line ahead of the new Championship season have been dealt a blow just three days before the big kick-off.

The Potters had looked to have stolen a march on several rival clubs in their pursuit of Jeremy Livolant, the free-agent former Bordeaux winger. However, StokeonTrentLive understands that an existing injury has ended Stoke’s interest in the 26-year-old.

Livolant was reported to have been at Clayton Wood on Tuesday to discuss contract details ahead of sealing a move ahead of Stoke’s home season opener against Coventry City on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off).

But the club quickly pulled the plug on the deal after the unspecified injury issue came to light. Livolant is believed to be recovering, but not quickly enough to be available for selection, prompting the Potters to now look elsewhere.

Livolant, who can play anywhere across the forward line, was with Bordeaux in Ligue 2 for just one season after joining them from Guingamp last summer for €1.2m.

He was then an ever-present last season, scoring six goals and laying on seven assists in 42 games before financial problems saw Bordeaux relegated and their senior players leave.

Stoke recruited Sam Gallagher from Blackburn Rovers last week to boost their forward line options, but are sweating on his fitness after he was hurt 28 minutes into his debut.

Gallagher led the line against AZ Alkmaar last Saturday with Million Manhoef and Lynden Gooch playing either side on him, but was substituted with a “stiff calf”. Stoke boss Steven Schumacher remains hopeful that Gallagher hasn’t suffered any serious damage.