Stoke City are hoping to beat off Hull City's overtures when it comes to signing Michael Owen on a free transfer.

Potters chairman Peter Coates told Sky Sports News: "We haven't really discussed Michael, at this stage.

"We know he's about and that he's been a terrific player. He's a very nice man.

"I don't know what options Michael's got; we'll still keep an eye on it.

"If I said to [Stoke boss] Tony [Pulis] would you like Michael Owen he would probably say 'yes'."

Despite admitting it would be a "coup" to sign Owen, Coates has some possible reservations, like "the impact on the squad", "the impact on the wage bill" and "how often" Owen can play.

Meanwhile, Pulis said yesterday: “You never say never in football, so of course I’d be interested in throwing my hat into the ring if it was ever viable.

“I’m not sure whether Michael would want to come here right now, but that situation could always change for him.

“He would be a great signing for this football club and he can rest assured our fans would treat him as one of their own.

“I imagine there will be bigger clubs taking an interest in his availability for the moment, and I can’t say I’ve received a copy of his dossier, but that doesn’t mean he will end up signing for them
necessarily.

“So it could be a deal that comes on to our radar in time and one we’d be silly to turn our back on if we could get something sorted with his people.”