Stoke City Football Club are closing on David James.

The Britannia Stadium club have been in discussions with cash-strapped Portsmouth about a potential loan swoop for James, the 39-year-old goalkeeper.

Potters manager Tony Pulis has revealed he feels the signing of the England star would be a real boost to his side, as the player is determined to impress ahead of the World Cup.

"He'll want to be on that plane to South Africa, and that attracts me to him more than anything else,” he said. “He is desperate to play for England in the World Cup.

"So if we can bring him in and give him the opportunity to prove he is the best goalkeeper in England, and he proves that, then we'll be delighted."

The possible arrival of James would more than likely see the departure of Thomas Sorensen, who is believed to be a prime target for German giants Bayern Munich.

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