Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given has passed a medical with Stoke City.

According to the Sky Sports, the Republic of Ireland international is now poised to join the Potters on a permanent deal.

Given, 39, was being heavily linked with a return to Middlesbrough, where he spent time on loan in 2013/14, but it appears as though he will now make his home at the Britannia Stadium to work with Mark Hughes.

The expected arrival of Given further paves the way for Manchester United and Chelsea target Asmir Begovic to exit Staffordshire club.