Potters in for Ivory Coast ace

Stoke are favourites to sign Ivory Coast forward Kanga Akale on loan ahead of interest from a number German clubs.

Akale is set to quit Lens after they were relegated last season but saw a permanent move to loan club Marseille come to nothing this summer.

But now it is claimed the 27-year-old is set to arrive at the Britannia Stadium before the transfer window closes.

A representative of Akale told Setanta Sports: "Stoke are interested, yes. They want to sign him before next Monday, that's the plan.

"It would be a loan, with an option for a transfer next summer. I think there are good chances this deal will happen.

"Plenty of German clubs are interested in him as well, but I can tell you that he is attracted by The Premier League."