Stoke City Football Club are said to be closing on Robert Huth.

The former Chelsea defender has been linked with a transfer ever since Middlesbrough lost their Premier League status on the final day of the 2008/09 season.

Huth is keen to protect his place in the German national squad ahead of the World Cup Finals, and he knows playing Championship football will not help his cause.

It is believed Tony Pulis is set to land the 25-year-old for a fee in the region of £4million this week, although the Potters boss could yet face some rival competition.

Aston Villa are in the market for a new defender following the retirement of Martin Laursen, whilst Everton, who have lost Joleon Lescott to Manchester City, could also enter the reckoning.