Stoke City have received a boost in their attempt to gain a work permit for Dynamo Kiev fullback Goran Popov.

The Sentinel says Popov's on-off move to Stoke City could be back on again because he has a Bulgarian passport.

As Bulgaria is a member of the EU, the document allows Popov to enter England and reside here ... but not work.

For that, he needs permission from the UK Border Agency and the club is now awaiting an answer for his request.