Owen at Stoke for final talks

Michael Owen is understood to have arrived at Stoke to hold final talks over a two-year contract at the Britannia Stadium.

Owen has spent the summer searching for a new club after being released by Manchester United and has attracted interest from several teams. The 32-year-old revealed he had been targeted by clubs on the continent, but has always been keen to remain in the Premier League. He was linked with a move to former club Liverpool following Brendan Rodgers' failure to sign a replacement for Andy Carroll and Sunderland were also rumoured to be interested. However, Stoke boss Tony Pulis has spent the past couple of months hoping to persuade Owen to head to the Potteries and now appears to have won his battle.

Owen is understood to be holding final discussions over a deal and he could be confirmed as a Stoke player by Wednesday.