Stokes heads for Gunners talks

Anthony Stokes has returned to Arsenal for discussions on his future after his successful spell at Falkirk.

The 18-year-old has been in sensational form for the Bairns this season and hit a hat-trick in 12 minutes against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday to take his tally to 16 goals in all competitions for the season.

However, the Republic of Ireland U21 international’s loan deal at Falkirk, which expired yesterday, has not been extended as yet, which meant he missed today’s trip to Tannadice to play Dundee United in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.

Falkirk said on the club's official website, www.falkirkfc.co.uk, that Stokes had departed for talks in London to decide where he spends the rest of the season.

Stokes has already admitted he is unlikely to extend his stay with Falkirk. However, the club has not given up hope and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has given him the green light to spend the rest of the campaign away from the Emirates Stadium.

Celtic and Sunderland are admirers of Stokes, with Charlton also reportedly in the hunt.

Stokes said in The Daily Express: “I honestly don’t know where my future lies.

Stokes leads the goalscoring charts after finding the net 14 times in the Bank of Scotland Premier League, and said: “Even if I do leave the club, which looks likely now, I will always be proud of that achievement.”