Stoke eager to complete deal for Michael Owen

In the mix There has been speculation that Michael Owen could be making a move to the club he supported as a child on a free transfer, after being released by Manchester United in the summer. Everton have recently distanced themselves f (GETTY IMAGES)

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is still hopeful a deal can be done to sign striker Michael Owen in spite of increased competition from Premier League rivals.

The Potters have been linked with the 32-year-old ever since he became a free agent after his release from Manchester United this summer.

Pulis wants to sign the former England international on a pay-as-you-play deal.

"I would love to sign Michael," he told The Sentinel.

"If we can do it, we will do it, and do it on the basis that we did with Jonathan Woodgate and players like that.

"If he's in the team he will get paid, and if he isn't he won't get paid so much."

As the striker is out of contract he can be signed outside of the transfer window and now it has closed until January that has made him more attractive to other clubs, with Sunderland and Liverpool now being linked.

PA