Latics fringe man in Potters link

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is lining up a swoop for Wigan midfielder Michael Brown, who is surplus to requirements at the JJB Stadium.

The Potters are finally starting to draft in new players for the Premiership campaign with midfielder Seyi Olofinjana and striker Dave Kitson arriving at the Britannia Stadium in recent days.

Now Pulis is ready to turn his attentions to Wigan midfielder Brown, who has been told he can leave the Lancashire club in search of regular first-team football.

The 31-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at Wigan following the arrival of Daniel de Ridder and Olivier Kapo from Birmingham and Latics boss Steve Bruce has cleared the way for a move.

Brown has plenty of Premiership experience following spell with Tottenham, Manchester City and Fulham and Pulis knows that will be crucial as he bids to keep the Potters in the top flight.