Stoke City boss Tony Pulis remains keen on released Manchester United striker Michael Owen.

The Daily Star says Pulis has held further discussions with chairman Peter Coates over a bid to persuade Owen, 32, to move to the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke are ready to offer the ex-Manchester United, Newcastle, Real Madrid and Liverpool hitman a realistic pay-as-you-play package for this season.

And boss Pulis has been given the all-clear to press ahead with a possible deal if he can lower the club's current wage bill.