Potters hand trial to linked keeper

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has handed a trial to free agent Thomas Sorensen, who has been linked with a possible move to Middlesbrough.

Denmark goalkeeper Sorensen was released by Aston Villa at the end of last season and could be the answer to Pulis' big problem between the posts as he needs further reinforcements despite signing Marton Fulop from Sunderland at the weekend.

Sorensen, who has been linked with Turkish giants Galatasaray and Middlesbrough this summer, will get the chance to win a contract at Stoke if he impresses.

"Two or three clubs have been interested in Thomas but he is with us at the minute," Pulis told Radio Stoke.

Whether Boro's interest is concrete remains to be seen because boss Gareth Southgate has claimed on numerous occasions that he is happy to let Ross Turnbull and Brad Jones fight for the number one jersey at the Riverside.