Stoke City transfer news from StokeonTrentLive

Stoke City are being linked with a move for former Newcastle United and Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark.

The 33-year-old is a free agent and so can sign outside the transfer window and would continue a busy summer for manager Alex Neil and the recruitment team who have rebuilt the squad since last season’s 16^th placed finish in the Championship. Clark was released by Newcastle United in the summer after six years there, making 129 appearances for the club.

Centre half looks like the area in the new look squad where Stoke would be most vulnerable to injury or suspension, although new midfielder Wouter Burger could drop into a more defensive role if required. Although the transfer window closed on Friday, clubs can still sign players who were free agents before the end of the window