Stoke are closing in on Republic of Ireland international midfielder Darron Gibson from Manchester United.
Gibson, who is one of the most highly rated players to come out of Old Trafford famed academy in the last couple of years, has Champions League experience and has played 38 games for Man Utd, scoring eight times.
The midfielder has also had loan spells at Royal Antwerp, one goal in thirty three games, and Wolves, one goal in twenty four games, but was a mainstay in the match day squad last season, scoring five goals in twenty three games.
The Potters are finalising a deal to bring the 22-year-old to the Britannia Stadium on a six-month loan, with the option of an extension in January should both parties agree. It is believed that the deal will not have a clause for a permanent transfer as Alex Ferguson see's him as a vital part of the future at Old Trafford.