Stoke City boss Tony Pulis admits they've made a false start in the January market.

He does expect to splash several million pounds this month to boost Stoke's bid to avoid relegation, but he said: "There is nothing imminent.

"We have identified a number of targets and there is work going on behind the scenes to see if the players we want are available, and to see if we can afford them.

"There is no chance of us paying over the odds for players, but we are desperately trying to get a few in to help us.

"The players we have are also hoping we can bring some in to give us a boost, but for the moment I'm concentrating on preparing the team for an important FA Cup tie at Hartlepool."