Stoke City are reportedly close to completing the signing of former England striker Michael Owen on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old has been without a club since his release by Manchester United in May.
Owen had been linked with a sensational move to Liverpool, for whom he scored 158 first-team goals between 1996 and 2004.
However, the Merseyside club seem unlikely to make an offer for him, after owner John W Henry issued a defiant defence of the club's transfer activity during the summer window.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has made no secret of his desire to sign Owen and, according to the Daily Mail, the player is now almost certain to move to the Britannia Stadium on a two-year deal.
Owen has been capped 89 times at senior international level, scoring 40 goals.
