Stoke City winger Jermaine Pennant has been refused entry to the USA.

The Daily Mail says Pennant's stop-start career at Stoke City has experienced another temporary set-back after he was again refused entry into the United States to join the Potters' pre-season tour.

The former England Under-21 international, who was handed a reprieve by new boss Mark Hughes, has had to stay at home to continue his pre-season preparations.

Pennant is unable to obtain a work permit because of a previous criminal convictions with a drink-driving offence causing a barrier to his admittance for the second successive year.