Stoke City are close to agreeing a deal for on-loan Real Zaragoza winger Jermaine Pennant.

Manager Tony Pulis warned last week that he would not pay the £6m fee Zaragoza were reportedly demanding for Pennant.

But Stoke were hopeful on Tuesday night the Spaniards will accept less than half that figure for Pennant, who arrived on a six-month deal in August.

Pennant is expected to join the Potters permanently for £2.6 million.

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