Saturday 11 July 2015 15:56, UK
Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given has passed a medical with Stoke City ahead of a proposed move, Sky sources understand.
The 39-year-old Republic of Ireland international spent three months on loan at Middlesbrough during the 2013-14 season and the Sky Bet Championship side looked set to sign him on a permanent deal earlier in the week.
But Stoke appeared to have trumped Boro after entering the race for Given, with Aston Villa likely to release him from the final year of his contract.
Villa have already paved the way for Given's departure by signing goalkeeper Mark Bunn on a two-year contract following the expiration of his contract with Norwich.
Mark Hughes' Stoke squad fly out to Singapore this week with Asmir Begovic in their tour party, despite the Potters' No 1 'keeper having been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United during the transfer window.
Watch Stoke in pre-season action against Everton in the Barclays Asia Trophy, live on Sky Sports 1 HD next Wednesday from 10.45am.
