The 22-year-old FC Dallas winger is now in talks with the Potters in a bid to complete a move before the 11pm transfer deadline.
Shea looks likely to become Stoke's first signing of the January window, while speculation still surrounds the future of Peter Crouch, who has been linked with QPR.
Earlier, Rory Delap confirmed a loan move to Barnsley until the end of the season with boss Tony Pulis telling the club's official website: "Rory has been a bedrock of the progress this club has made since he joined us.
"It's important therefore that we look after those players who have served us so well and helped us to get where we are today."
Source: PA
Source: PA