Stoke City boss Tony Pulis isn't ready to enter talks with released Manchester United striker Michael Owen just yet.

The Sentinel says their interest has yet to go as far as formal talks.

Owen is understood to be interested in a move to the Britannia Stadium, where he would link up with his former England strike partner Peter Crouch.

However, senior sources at the Britannia Stadium are mystified by speculation that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker is poised to complete a move to Stoke.