Tony Pulis would "love" Michael Owen at Stoke City

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has admitted that he would "love" to sign Michael Owen, but believes that a deal is far from being done.

The former England international striker has been linked with a move to the Potters after he was released by Manchester United.

"Everybody talks about Michael but we are looking at a number of players," Pulis told BBC Sport. "I am a great admirer of Michael and I would love to bring him in but things have to be right.

"Traditionally we do deals late because we think that is the best value we can get and we hope one or two things will drop that will improve the squad, and that one or two will be moving on as well."

Pulis was speaking after his side's 1-1 draw at Reading on the opening day of the Premier League season.