Stoke City are closing in on a deal for Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson.

It is understood the clubs have agreed a fee for the England international of around £4million, with Carson set to discuss personal terms with the Premier League newcomers.

Carson, 22, spent the whole of last season on loan at Aston Villa, who had previously expressed a desire to make the move permanent but were put off by a reported £10million price tag.

It appears Liverpool's decision to slash that valuation has failed to reignite Villa's interest, with manager Martin O'Neill turning his attention to Tottenham's Paul Robinson.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has yet to bolster his squad for the club's return to the top flight after a 23-year absence, but Carson's signing would smash the Potters' transfer record.

The goalkeeper - who has two senior England caps - joined Liverpool from Leeds in January 2005 but has made just nine first-team appearances for the Reds, spending time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton.