Stoke City are one step closer to acquiring the services of Aston Villa striker John Carew.
The Norway international passed a medical with the Potters and is now set to complete the finishing touches on what is believed to be a loan deal with the option for permanency.
Carew has struggled to gain regular minutes under Gerard Houllier this season, winning just six starts for 10 league appearances overall - although some of that absence has been due to injury - and the arrival of Darren Bent from Sunderland will not make things any easier.
However, it seems as though his playing days at Villa Park are over with this move set to tend his four-season stay at the club.
West Bromwich Albion are also believed to be keen but it looks as though Stoke have won the race for his signature.
