Stoke ahead of Fulham for Middlesbrough defender Huth

Stoke City are launching a bid for Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth.

The Mirror says the former Chelsea defender is one of several players Boro have been willing to sacrifice this summer and now the serious move by Pulis is bringing the move to a head.

Tony Pulis wants Huth but even the wealthy Potteries outfit are struggling to match his wages as they weigh up the package to take him to the Britannia. However Boro may give the centre back a settlement to go and make up the difference.

Boro are willing to trade and have let Huth talk to Stoke - with Fulham waiting in the wings - and Southgate is already on the look-out for a loan replacement.

Huth has had an injury-plagued career on Teesside but his reputation is still good and his fee is also competitive - with just the king-size salary to be thrashed out in the final hurdle.

Insiders reveal Stoke are now clear favourites, but Roy Hodgson's Fulham are waiting in the wings. He sees Huth as a potential replacement if Norwegian giant Brede Hangeland moves.

But Hodgson won't dive in for Huth until the sale of his own man is close to being sealed and Stoke know that as they bid to tie up the transfer quickly.