Stoke boss Tony Pulis is hoping to sign England keeper David James in time for the weekend clash with Liverpool. Pulis believes James will add to the competition for the number one spot at the Britannia Stadium, although he has refused to rule out the chance of Thomas Sorensen leaving as the Dane has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
"We'll have to see if the two clubs can come to a deal and we're hoping it will be tied up for the weekend, but it will have to be right for us," said Pulis.
"If we can get him we'll be absolutely delighted because if there's a weakness (in the squad) it's been between the sticks in respect of having competition and back-up.
"We lost Thomas immediately before the Fulham game and if anything had happened to (deputy) Steve Simonsen, then we wouldn't have had a goalkeeper.
"It would have been a tragedy for us, and it really opens up your eyes.
"So we've an opportunity to bring in a top-class goalkeeper because we have heard he might be available."
"You are signing a goalkeeper of real quality, and if he comes here he has a few months' football to play," added Pulis.
"Sorensen has done brilliantly, so they will both be fighting for that one spot, but he (James) has something to prove as well.
"He'll want to be on that plane to South Africa, and that attracts me to him more than anything else. He is desperate to play for England in the World Cup.
"So if we can bring him in and give him the opportunity to prove he is the best goalkeeper in England, and he proves that, then we'll be delighted."
Yet despite suggesting the goalkeeping department lacks strength in depth, there is every opportunity of Sorensen leaving to make way for James.
"We've heard the rumours that there are clubs in Europe who fancy Thomas, and it makes it more important that we cover ourselves," said Pulis.
"If Bayern Munich, Manchester United or Chelsea come in for Thomas, he would want to better himself like everybody else does, just like (Cristiano) Ronaldo wanted to go to Real Madrid.
"But it (goalkeepers) is a fragile area. Hopefully we're covering it by bringing in David."
