Potters to miss out on Owen

Stoke could miss out on Michael Owen after reports claimed he is locked in talks with Premier League rivals Everton.

The 32-year-old is looking for a new club after being released by Manchester United at the end of last season and he is desperate to stay in the Premier League. Stoke appeared to be in the box seat to land the striker but Tony Pulis' reluctance to offer the kind of contract he is after has left the door open for other clubs to nip in. Everton have always been in the running but now it looks as though they are favourites to do a deal, and Pulis will be forced to turn his attentions elsewhere. The deal to take him to his boyhood heroes is far from complete and he still has to pass a stringent medical at the club, but he could be signed before tonight's home clash with Manchester United.