20-1-11: Stoke are close to signing Aston Villa striker John Carew on loan. The Norway international has already passed a medical, so a move to Stoke now looks to be a forgone conclusion. "He's a very good player and one we would be interested in," confirmed assistant Stoke boss Dave Kemp earlier. "To say we were targeting John Carew [is not necessarily true] but [Darren] Bent goes there so it might become an option and that is what happened. "He is a quality player and we would be interested in a player of that ilk. "He is a very experienced, top-level Premier League striker and he would bring much to the team so we would like to sign him - but so would a number of other clubs possibly. "There have been discussions but nothing has been finalised." 21-1-11: Aston Villa striker John Carew has joined Stoke on loan until the end of the campaign. "This is a fantastic signing," Pulis told the club's official website. "John's record speaks for itself because he has scored goals at the highest level throughout his career. "As well as all the experience he has gained at international level, he has played for some top, top clubs across Europe and performed in the Champions League for many seasons, including an appearance in the final for Valencia. "On top of that, he was Aston Villa's leading scorer last season with 17 goals, so we have acquired a striker with outstanding pedigree." On 6 August 2011, West Ham United announced the signing of Carew as a free agent.