Stoke are reported to be closing in on a move for Steve Sidwell and a deal could be done in the next 24 hours.
Sidwell is available on a free transfer after he could not agree a new deal with Fulham following relegation from the Premier League, and Stoke are in the box seat to do a deal.
A host of other clubs including Crystal Palace and Hull have been linked, but Potters boss Mark Hughes has stolen a march on his rivals and Sidwell is set for a medical today with a view to wrapping up a deal.
Hughes signed Sidwell for Fulham when he was in charge at Craven Cottage and he looks to have convinced the player to turn his back on London and head north.
It has also been suggested that the imminent arrival of Sidwell will signal the end for Wilson Palacios, who has been something of a flop since his big-money arrival from Tottenham.