Stoke manager Tony Pulis remains optimistic of agreeing a deal for Michael Owen and hopes to finalise his move for Goran Popov.
Stoke boss hopes to get work permit for Popov
Stoke manager Tony Pulis remains optimistic of agreeing a deal to sign Michael Owen and is hopeful of being able to finalise a move for Goran Popov.
The 32-year-old former England international is a free agent after being released by Manchester United this summer, and has yet to secure a new club ahead of the season starting.
Pulis currently has five strikers on the books in Peter Crouch, Jon Walters, Mamady Sidibe, Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome, and is waiting to see if a deal for Owen will come off.
The Stoke manager said: "Michael hasn't gone anywhere and it's still a possibility. There's still stuff happening and going on. Whether we can do a deal or not is another matter.
Great professional
"I've always said he's a good player and someone I think people in the club would like to have around. He's a great professional as well and Crouchy has shown what great professionals can do for the football club."
Pulis has signed winger Michael Kightly, midfielder Jamie Ness and the versatile Geoff Cameron this summer and is hoping to add full-back Popov on a season-long loan from Dynamo Kiev.
That deal has hit a snag as the Macedonia international has problems with his work permit and Pulis said: "He's got to go to a tribunal on Wednesday so we'll see.
"We're still looking to do some business if we can, and we always tend to do our business at the back end of the transfer window."
