STOKE EYE OWEN DEAL

Stoke City remain keen to bring former England striker Michael Owen to the Britannia.

The 32-year-old is a free agent after being released by Manchester United in May, and Stoke boss Tony Pulis has made no attempt to hide his desire to bring the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United striker to the Midlands.

Pulis said: “I am a great admirer of his and it would be lovely to bring him in and I think he would be a very good signing, but it has to be right.

“Traditionally if we are dealing we do it late on because we think that is the best value we can get. We are hoping and praying that one or two things will drop for us that will improve the squad because we need to do that. And one or two will leave as well.”

BUTTNER ON VERGE OF UNITED SWITCH

Vitesse Arnhem left-back Alexander Buttner is expected to sign for Manchester United in a £4million deal this week.

The 23-year-old was close to joining Southampton earlier this year before the move fell through, and has been identified by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as the man to provide Patrice Evra with competition at Old Trafford.

Evra’s future at Old Trafford appeared in doubt with Ferguson chasing Everton man Leighton Baines, but Everton’s £15million plus valuation put off potential suitors.

Buttner is more likely to play second fiddle to Evra initially and can also operate on the right providing cover in defence for Ferguson.

TOFFEES LAND MIRALLAS

Everton have signed forward Kevin Mirallas on a four-year deal from Olympiakos for a fee of around £6m.

Mirallas, 24, can play both up front and out wide, and scored 20 goals in 25 appearances last season.

“I am very happy because Everton is a big club and for me it’s a very good opportunity,” he said.

He will not play against Manchester United tonight but will make an appearance at Goodison Park ahead of the kick-off.

RICO AFTER MOVE AWAY FROM WEARSIDE

Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has admitted Kieran Richardson is keen to leave the Black Cats with the left sided player hopeful Queens Park Rangers, West Ham or Fulham firm up their interest in the former Manchester United man.

Richardson threw his shirt into the away support after the 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday, with the 27-year-old apparently desperate to head to London.

“Kieran came to see me a while ago in the last transfer window. For family issues and things, he thought there maybe needed a change,” said O’Neill.

“No-one has come in and made an offer. That, though, does not mean there is nothing happening, I just don’t know.”

ON THE CONTINENT

PSV Eindhoven’s Swedish forward Ola Toivonen has dismissed rumours of an impending transfer away from the Dutch giants.

Lazio are reportedly in talks with Hamburg to reinforce their defence with full-back Dennis Aogo.

Paris Saint-Germain are set to sign defender Brice Dja Djedje from Evian TG.

OTHER NEWS

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is expected to face a Football Association charge after being sent to the stands for pushing assistant referee Peter Kirkup during his side’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed that Adam Johnson will be allowed to leave the club before the transfer window closes.

Bristol City winger Yannick Bolasie has submitted a written transfer request, the Championship club have confirmed.