David James set to join Stoke

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England goalkeeper David James is set to join Stoke City according to reports today.

According to The Times, the Portsmouth stopper will join on a six-month loan deal with the possibility of signing permanently at the end of the season.

James is in need of first team football if he is to secure his place at the World Cup. It's understood he's Fabio Capello's favoured choice for the opener against the United States but has insisted his squad must be playing regularly at club level.

And although James has returned to fitness following injury problems, he remains out of the Portsmouth line-up due to contractual reasons.

The 39-year-old will trigger a one-year extension clause in his contract if he plays a certain number of games, thought to be 20, and Portsmouth are reluctant to let that happen as they look to reduce their wage bill.

It's reported that negotiations are underway and James could make his debut for Stoke as early as Saturday against former club Liverpool.