Stoke to land Delap?

Sunderland midfielder, Rory Delap could be the latest loan signing for the Potters as Tony Pulis continues to try and strengthen his midfield.

The 30 year Northern Ireland international, who has eleven caps to his name, has struggled to get a look-in at the Black Cats since the arrival of new manager, Roy Keane. Keane is keen to slim down his 30 strong squad and wants to loan some players out.

Delap has always favoured central midfield but has more often been played in defence so might relish a chance to show what he can do. In addition his wife, a Derby lass, is reportedly favouring a chance to move back to the Midlands.

Meanwhile, Stoke are cooling any expectations that they will sign Chris Lucketti. The Blades’ defender does not seem to be hitting the right buttons for the Potters as they feel that the defence is not an issue at the moment with the summer signing of Danny Higginbotham.