Portsmouth are hoping to sign Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence on an emergency loan after a permanent deal was rejected by the Football League.

Lawrence, 28, had been set to join the Championship outfit along with striker Dave Kitson, while defender Marc Wilson went in the other direction.

However, the deal was rejected because vital paperwork was not submitted by 1800 BST on transfer deadline day.

The loan move will have to be authorised by the league.

But Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou has denied the claims the paperwork was late.

“The Lawrence deal has not been ratified by the Football League yet and we are still waiting to hear the outcome,” he told Portsmouth Today.

“From our end, all documentation was sent on time, well before the 6pm deadline. I was there myself to see it.

“Admittedly, the deal happened a little later than we would have liked as the player was training with the Republic of Ireland squad. We haven’t even had a chance to give him a medical yet.

“But it was sorted before 6pm, I can tell you.”

He added: “Unfortunately, we are not Tottenham and are not allowed to have this issue sorted the next day as they did with Rafael Van Der Vaart.

“This sort of thing will only happen to us. There is proper brinkmanship going on just because we are Portsmouth Football Club.”

Speaking to the club website, Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes added: “It is important that we work to find an expedient solution.

“The aim now is to ensure we arrive at the same point for both clubs and, most importantly, for the player who had made up his mind to join Portsmouth.

“That will probably take the form of a loan move until the end of the year and then Liam would finalise his permanent move to Fratton Park in the January window.”

Lawrence, currently on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, has not figured in any of Stoke’s fixtures this season.

Winger Ben Marshall says he had no hesitation in re-joining Carlisle United on loan from Stoke City.

The 19-year-old is back for a second spell at Brunton Park after scoring three times in 20 appearances for the Cumbrians last season.

“It wasn’t really a hard choice for me to make in the end,” Marshall told BBC Radio Cumbria.

“The squad this season look stronger than last year and there’s a good buzz around the place, it’s exciting.”

Marshall came on as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Swindon Town at Brunton Park.

That result leaves the Cumbrians unbeaten so far this season and up to second in League One.

Marshall added: “The manager (Tony Pulis) wanted me to go out on-loan again and I was happy to return.”

The winger will still train two days a week at Stoke, with Pulis keen to keep a close eye on the former Crewe trainee’s progress during his four month stay at Brunton Park.

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott has already indicated that he may ask Marshall to play a more central role for the team as well as his more recognised wide role.

“I used to play just behind the forwards as a kid so I know all about that,” Marshall said. “Wherever I play I hope I can do well.”

Stoke City’s new signing Eidur Gudjohnsen has conceded that he lacks match fitness after missing pre-season while looking for a club.

Gudjohnsen, 31, signed a one-year contract with the Potters after leaving French league club Monaco.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Tottenham.

“I just need football, to play games and get as many minutes under my belt as quickly as possible,” the Iceland international told BBC Radio Stoke.

Gudjohnsen had been training alone and admits that he could not replicate the intensity of training within a squad.

“You can only do so much on your own,” he added.

“I have done a lot of individual training so I don’t just walk in the door completely out of shape.

“It’s more just getting into the day to day football training again which I need and playing games to reach my best level again.”

Gudjohnsen has the international break to re-acclimatise to English football, with Stoke’s next game being against Aston Villa on 13 September.

Stoke have signed Eidur Gudjohnsen, Jermaine Pennant, Marc Wilson and Salif Diao on a busy transfer deadline day.

Gudjohnsen has signed a permanent, one-year deal from French club Monaco, while Pennant has joined until January from Spanish side Real Zaragoza.

Portsmouth’s Wilson has joined in a player-plus-cash deal, with Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson moving in the other direction.

Diao, 33, has re-signed for Stoke, penning a two-year deal.

The Senegal international midfielder left at the end of last season, when his previous contract expired, and had been exploring the prospect of a move abroad.

“It is fantastic. He is not only an experienced head, but a good person to have around,” said manager Tony Pulis.

“We made it perfectly clear there would always be a welcome for him back here and we’re delighted he has signed now.”

Diao joined Stoke in a permanent deal from Liverpool in 2007 after an initial loan spell.

His new contract includes an international ambassadorial role, and he said he felt he owed a debt of gratitude to Pulis.

“It’s great to be back home. I love the club and I love the supporters, so I always hoped something could be sorted out,” he said.

“I feel there is still unfinished business and I want to help Stoke City continue the excellent progress made in my time here.

“Tony Pulis is more than a manager to me and I want to repay the faith that he has shown in my ability at this stage in my career.

“I believe I can still make a big contribution as a player but it is also very exciting that I have another important role to play which could help bring new talent to the club in the future.”

Gudjohnsen, 31, had spent the second half of last season on loan at Tottenham where he scored two goals in 14 games.

The former Bolton, Chelsea and Barcelona player was shown around City’s new 7m training facility at Clayton Wood before entering into negotiations with the club.

His deal had initially been announced as a loan but upon discovering his contract with the French club was due to expire next summer, they agreed an undisclosed fee to make the move permanent.

The versatile Wilson, 23, was the Portsmouth captain and Pompey manager Steve Cotterill wanted to keep him at the club.

But after signing a four-year deal at Stoke, Wilson said: “It is great to be back in the Premier League.

“I had a taste of playing in the Premier League last season, it is the best league in the world and I wanted to get back there as soon as possible.”

Pennant, 27, started his career with Notts County before joining Arsenal for 2m as a 15-year-old in 1999.

The England Under-21 international has also played for Watford, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool and Portsmouth before he moved to Spain in 2009.

Salif Diao has returned to Stoke after signing a two-year deal at the club, having left at the end of last season when his previous contract expired.

The 33-year-old Senegal international midfielder had been exploring the prospect of a move abroad.

“It is fantastic. He is not only an experienced head, but a good person to have around,” said manager Tony Pulis.

“We made it perfectly clear there would always be a welcome for him back here and we’re delighted he has signed now.”

Diao joined Stoke in a permanent deal from Liverpool in 2007 after an initial loan spell.

His new contract includes an international ambassadorial role, and he said he felt he owed a debt of gratitude to Pulis.

“It’s great to be back home. I love the club and I love the supporters, so I always hoped something could be sorted out,” he said.

“I feel there is still unfinished business and I want to help Stoke City continue the excellent progress made in my time here.

“Tony Pulis is more than a manager to me and I want to repay the faith that he has shown in my ability at this stage in my career.

“I believe I can still make a big contribution as a player but it is also very exciting that I have another important role to play which could help bring new talent to the club in the future.”

Pulis said Diao had a major contribution to make to the club’s future.

“He has an important role to play in the future of the club, both as player and in an ambassadorial role, but we appreciate that he wants to make the most of trying to enjoy more success on the pitch first and foremost,” said Pulis.

City also confirmed that Portsmouth defender Marc Wilson has arrived at the club to discuss terms on a permanent move.

And it has been reported Stoke have also agreed a deal to cover Eidur Gudjohnsen’s wages on a season-long loan from Monaco.

The Iceland striker spent time at Tottenham last season and his arrival would complete a busy day of transfer activity at Stoke.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti hailed a professional display from his players after the champions kept up their 100% record with a 2-0 victory over Stoke.

Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba were on target as the Blues followed up two resounding league wins with a less spectacular result against the Potters.

“We didn’t play our best football but we were focused and concentrated – it’s important to win,” said the Italian.

“It’s impossible to win 6-0 every week, today we played very well defensively.”

Chelsea began the season with 6-0 wins over West Brom and Wigan and, while they didn’t hit the same heights at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, they looked comfortable and are yet to concede a goal in the Premier League.

“I was happy because we won but we didn’t have a good, high tempo. The tempo was not continuous but we didn’t concede,” said Ancelotti.

By contrast with Chelsea’s winning start to the season, Stoke have lost all three of their games so far but manager Tony Pulis was pleased with his team’s work-rate.

“I think we gave Chelsea a game today. We did our best to frustrate them but we’re not getting that bit of luck in front of goal,” said the Potters boss.

“We had our moments but overall Chelsea were the better team. They had numerous opportunities but I give credit to our lads for the work they put in.”

Pulis revealed he hopes to make some new signings before the close of the transfer window at 1800 BST on Tuesday.

“I hope the window stays open long enough for me to bring three or four players in. We’re hoping to do some business,” he said.

Pulis also reiterated his desire to keep goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who has been linked with Chelsea, at the Britannia Stadium.

“Asmir is a decent kid and the problem has been other people getting into him behind the scenes. But I’m sure (chairman) Peter Coates will do his damnedest to make sure Asmir stays at Stoke City.”

Stoke boss Tony Pulis plans talks with Asmir Begovic after the keeper’s claim he did not refuse to play in the Carling Cup win over Shrewsbury.

Pulis said Begovic told him “he did not want to play” but PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes said Begovic would have played if asked to do so.

“I’m disappointed he [Begovic] has said that it wasn’t him who decided he wasn’t going to play,” said Pulis.

“I think that is desperately disappointing and I will speak to him.”

Bosnian Begovic, 23, joined Stoke from Portsmouth on 1 February, 2010 for 3.25m but has been linked with a move to champions Chelsea during the summer.

“He’s a good kid and he has been smashing ever since he joined this club, but something has turned his head,” added Pulis.

“It happens now in football and he is not the only one it has happened to – people blow in their ears, outside influences, and sometimes unfortunately they overstep the mark.

“I think you have to be strong enough as a football club, no matter how much pressure is being put on, to stand up at times and really protect your club.”

Begovic was expected to deputise for Thomas Sorensen in goal for Stoke against League Two outfit Shrewsbury but, instead, Carlo Nash was between the posts for the 2-1 victory.

“He said this morning he did not want to play,” Pulis revealed after the match. “I find that very disappointing. We pay his wages and he has a responsibility to the club.”

But PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes responded: “Asmir was at great pains to make it clear to me and the wider public that at no stage had he actually said that he refused to play for the club.”

“Asmir’s take is that he had indicated that his mind was a little bit scrambled by things and that probably if there was an alternative it would be best if he didn’t play.”

When asked if Begovic’s actions would push the keeper closer to an exit from the Britannia Stadium outfit, Pulis replied: “With our chairman [Peter Coates] it is less likely. I do not think Peter will be pushed around.

“We won’t be giving him [Begovic] away and doing a deal because of what he has done.

“There has been interest from one or two clubs but nowhere near our valuation. We think he is a good goalkeeper and we want good players.”

Stoke booked their passage to the third round of the Carling Cup after overcoming League Two Shrewsbury.

The Premier League side had to survive a mini scare as the visitors threatened a comeback when Steve Leslie headed in at the back post on 79 minutes.

But in the end, two first-half headers proved enough to send Stoke through.

Jon Walters struck his first goal for the Potters when he headed in on 26 minutes and Tuncay doubled the lead with a header 11 minutes later.

Carling Cup second round
Venue: Britannia Stadium Date: Tuesday, 24 August Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio & highlights on The League Cup Show

Stoke’s Mali striker Mamady Sidibe could be out for the season after snapping his Achilles against Tottenham on Saturday.

Record signing Kenwyne Jones is also ruled out having not fully recovered from an ankle injury.

Shrewsbury will miss Lionel Ainsworth and Danny O’Donnell as they both picked up groin strains against Aldershot.

Benji van den Broek could replace Matt Harrold up front as he serves a one-game ban after being sent off.

Head-to-head

These clubs last met in the old third division in January 1992, with Shrewsbury winning 1-0.

Shrewsbury lead the overall head-to-head by six wins to five

Stoke

Stoke, League Cup winners in 1972, are looking for their first win of the season.

Stoke were knocked out by League Two sides in 2006 and 2007, losing to Darlington and Rochdale respectively.

Michael Tongue, who has made two substitute appearances so far, will start a club game for the 300th time in his career if selected in the 11.

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury came back from 3-0 down in the first round to beat League One side Charlton 4-3.

Town are unbeaten this season but lost their 100% record on Saturday with a draw against Aldershot.

Shrews last featured in the third round in 1993/94, after knocking out Premier League Southampton in the second round.

Stoke’s Mamady Sidibe may miss the rest of the season with boss Tony Pulis fearing the Mali striker has snapped an Achilles tendon in the defeat by Spurs.

Sidibe replaced Rory Delap in the 85th minute but within three minutes the 30-year-old had to be stretchered off.

“The medical staff have told me that it doesn’t look good for him,” Pulis told the club’s website after the 2-1 loss.

“We have to wait for confirmation. If that is the damage though, he will be lucky to play again this season.”

Sidibe missed around eight months of football after suffering cruciate ligament damage in a reserve game in March 2009.

The Mali international signed for the Potters in 2005 and helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2008.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis criticised the officials after his side were denied what would have been an equalising goal in their 2-1 defeat by Tottenham.

A close-range shot from Jon Walters late on appeared to go over the line but referee Chris Foy, in consultation with the linesman, did not give it.

“Why he (Foy) has looked across at the linesman when he was only two yards away from it, goodness knows,” he said.

“Sometimes they go for you, sometimes they don’t. We’ll take it on the chin.”

The controversial incident happened in the final moments of a frantic encounter.

Two Gareth Bale goals – the second a stunning left-foot volley – either side of Ricardo Fuller’s reply had put Spurs ahead, and despite a stern rearguard examination in the second half it looked like the Londoners would see out the win comfortably.

That was until Walters forced the ball goalwards amid a goalmouth scramble. Peter Crouch got down to clear the ball off the line – but Stoke were convinced the ball had crossed and appealed vehemently for a goal, only for their pleas to be waved away.

The incident is sure to heighten demands for video technology to be introduced into the game, but while Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said he would support those demands he felt justice had been done in not allowing the goal.

“There was a clear a foul on our goalkeeper in the build-up, a blatant foul by Robert Huth,” he said. “He has pushed him with two hands.

“I saw it on the replay and that is what Gomes told me in the dressing room. I didn’t see it when it happened.

“I’m all for technology, I am, but in the end justice was done because it was a foul.

“We deserved to win because in the first half they could not get near us. We passed the ball in fantastic fashion.

“You are going to come under pressure here. That’s the way they play. It is going to start coming in the box second half. You have got to deal with it. You are going to get scrambles and everything else. We knew that.

“It is a difficult place to come. They work their socks off. Tony Pulis gets the best out of his players all the time but overall we dealt with the pressure.”

Pulis admitted, too, that a foul by Huth in the build-up should have been given, saying: “It looked a foul but if he doesn’t give it then it is goal.

“Still, I don’t think any referee goes out there to make a bad decision now.”

Stoke have now suffered successive defeats after losing to Wolves on the opening day and Pulis added: “The first half we were not in it. We never pushed up enough and never got close enough to them.

“We pushed on in the second half and looked like the only team that was going to score. But it was not to be.”

New Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones has an “outside chance” of facing Tottenham on Saturday after making a quick recovery from an ankle ligament problem.

It was feared Jones, who signed from Sunderland this month, could be out for weeks after suffering the injury on his debut in Saturday’s defeat by Wolves.

But a scan revealed only minor damage and he has been able to resume running.

“He is much better,” said Stoke boss Tony Pulis. “Hopefully he can do a bit more and he’s got an outside chance.”

Jones, whose transfer from the Black Cats on 12 August was for a Potters club record of 8m, lasted barely 15 minutes of his first match following a challenge from Wolves defender Jody Craddock.

The 25-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international subsequently underwent a series of scans and X-rays on Monday that revealed he had not suffered any serious damage.

Pulis added: “I went running with him yesterday and managed to stay up with him, so he is still not as fit as he should be! But we are very pleased that it is not a serious injury.”

Jones almost made an immediate impact in his brief bow for Stoke, crashing a shot against the woodwork at Molineux.

Pulis admitted that the injury to Jones had affected his team, who conceded two first-half goals, scored by David Jones and Stephen Fletcher, before grabbing a consolation through Abdoulaye Faye.

Stoke have signed Jon Walters from Ipswich for an initial fee of 2.75m, which could rise to 3.25m.

The 26-year-old, who can play as a striker or right winger, has agreed a four-year contract with the Potters.

“I’ve been looking to bring in more goals – Jon certainly fits the bill,” said Stoke manager Tony Pulis.

“Over the last three years he’s been the Championship’s outstanding performer. I’m confident he can make the same impact on the Premier League.”

The move comes after Walters’ desire to leave Portman Road prompted Ipswich manager Roy Keane to remove him as captain, drop him from the team and declare that Walters would never play for the team again while he remained in charge.

The falling-out prompted QPR to make an approach for the player but, after being left out for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Burnley, Walters opted to make the step up to the Premier League.

Walters, a Republic of Ireland B international, was a trainee at Blackburn, before having spells at Bolton, Hull, Wrexham and Chester prior to joining Ipswich in 2007.

He leaves the Portman Road club despite having another two years to run on his contract.

Keane had previously described Walters, who scored eight goals in the Championship last season, as the the second-best player in the Championship.

He becomes the second new striker to join Stoke in a week after the arrival of 8m club record-signing Kenwyne Jones from Sunderland on 12 August.

New Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones could be back in action in days after a scan revealed he suffered only minor ankle ligament damage on Saturday.

It was first feared Jones could be out for weeks after suffering the injury on his debut in the 2-1 defeat at Wolves.

“The news is as good as we could have expected in the circumstances,” said Stoke manager Tony Pulis.

“It is hard to say how long he will be out but we are talking days, though, not weeks or months.”

Jones, who joined Stoke from Sunderland for a Potters club record 8m on 12 August, lasted barely 10 minutes of his first match following a challenge from Wolves’ Jody Craddock.

He subsequently underwent a series of scans and X-rays on Monday, which revealed the 25-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international had not suffered any serious damage.

Jones almost made an immediate impact in his brief bow for Stoke, crashing a shot against the woodwork.

Pulis admitted that the injury to Jones had affected his team, who conceded two first-half goals, scored by David Jones and Stephen Fletcher, before grabbing a consolation through Abdoulaye Faye.

Stoke’s next match is against Tottenham on Saturday at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke’s new striker Kenwyne Jones will have his ankle scanned on Sunday after limping out of his debut at Wolves.

Jones, only signed from Sunderland on Friday for a record 8m, was forced off inside 10 minutes after a Jody Craddock tackle, before his side went down 2-1.

Jones had already hit the bar and boss Tony Pulis said: “We had a really good start and then Kenwyne went off and it just took the wind out of our sails.

“We dropped off so deep, it was embarrassing. It shouldn’t happen.”

The extent of the injury to the 25-year-old, who also played under Pulis on a loan spell in 2005, should become clearer after the X-ray, but it remains a huge blow to the Potters at such an early stage of the season.

Pulis would have been delighted after only three minutes when he saw Trinidad and Tobago striker Jones crash a shot against the woodwork.

But Stoke then conceded two quick goals by David Jones and Steven Fletcher, before a Abdoulaye Faye header made a contest of it after the interval.

“We allowed Wolves to play where they wanted to at the tempo they wanted to. We just stood off them,” Pulis added.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy admitted Stoke’s early injury was important, but saved much of his post-match comments for his two debutants – 6.5m signing Fletcher and Belgian Jelle van Damme.

“I’m very pleased with them both, I thought the two lads were great,” McCarthy said.

“We played well, we had a good spell – Kenwyne Jones went off, maybe that threw them a bit out of kilter. We had our best spell on the back of that.

“It turned out not to be a convincing win but it was a convincing performance. I’m a bit disappointed we conceded one, we made a little mistake there.”

Pulis, though, was left fuming at the end of the game, unhappy with the lack of injury time as his players pushed for a late equaliser.

“It’s something we have to look at,” added Pulis, who believed there should be official time-keepers as in rugby league.

“On the stats, we have the least amount of time given to us when we’re losing games and the most given against us when we’re winning and that’s happened again.

“There have been five second-half substitutes, the trainer’s been on three times and Wolves are obviously slowing the game down. They [officials] make it up as they go along.”

Celtic’s Daryl Murphy says Liam Lawrence would be an excellent addition to the Glasgow club’s squad if the Stoke City winger moves to Scotland.

Lawrence could be a replacement for Aiden McGeady should his Republic of Ireland team-mate complete a 9.5m move to Spartak Moscow.

Murphy, himself a summer signing, said: “I know Liam from my time at Sunderland. He’s a very good player.

“He would give balance on the right side of midfield.”

Murphy believes Lawrence would help with the scoring duties.

“He pops up with a lot of goals,” said the striker. “If it was to come off, it would be a very good signing.”

Meanwhile, Lawrence is having to play a waiting game while preparing for the start of the Premier League season in England with Stoke.

“Things have been said over the last two months that, if Aiden leaves, I am one of the people that they are interested in,” he said of Celtic’s interest.

“So we will just have to wait and see what happens in the next week or so.

“I’m at Stoke and I’m doing my best for Stoke. I have done well in pre-season and got my head down and, if nothing happens then I have three years left at Stoke and I’ll just give all that I have got like I normally do.”

McGeady had pulled out of the Republic’s friendly with Argentina because of the transfer activity and Lawrence thought the switch to Russian football could benefit his countryman.

“Moving country is a big move for anybody, especially all the way to Moscow,” added Lawrence.

“But they are a really big club and play Champions League football.

“So I am sure if Aiden makes that choice then it will be a good move for him, because it is a good club and it’s playing at the highest level.”

Rangers boss Walter Smith hopes to sign strikers James Beattie and Tommy Smith before Saturday’s Scottish Premier League opener against Kilmarnock.

Smith has confirmed talks are under way to secure Beattie from Stoke and Portsmouth’s Smith.

But Smith has admitted attempts to sign striker Nikicia Jelavic from Rapid Vienna are “all but dead”.

He added: “The negotiations are continuing, but the longer they drag on, the more doubtful a deal appears.”

The Austrian club told BBC Scotland that Rangers have not been in touch for “days”.

Rapid say they do not know where the Croat’s immediate future lies but do admit the 24-year-old sees his long-term career in the English Premier League.

Smith is searching for a replacement for prolific marksman Kris Boyd, who left Ibrox under freedom of contract to join Middlesbrough.

“We are in negotiations with both Stoke and Portsmouth with regard to the signing of Tommy Smith and James Beattie,” confirmed the Ibrox boss.

“Just where we are at the present moment is always difficult to say but hopefully we can manage to conclude both of the deals.”

Smith will also continue to assess trialists Georgie Welcome and Nacer Barazite.

Stoke have signed Trinidad & Tobago striker Kenwyne Jones from Sunderland for a club record 8m.

The 25-year-old has joined on a four-year contract, returning to the club where he had a loan spell under manager Tony Pulis in 2005.

“Kenwyne is unplayable on his day which is why this is a fantastic signing for this club,” Pulis said.

The fee exceeds the 6m which Stoke paid Middlesbrough for Robert Huth in August 2009.

Pulis added: “We need goals in our team and we also need strong competition among our strikers if we are to continue improving at this level.

“Kenwyne will give us that. It’s no secret that I am one of his biggest admirers, he did a smashing job for us when he was here on loan.

“He was very young back then but I believe that he has the best years ahead of him as a top striker.”

Jones scored three goals in 13 games for Stoke during his loan spell from Southampton.

“The fact that I know the manager, some of the players and the place so well has obviously been an influence upon me coming here,” he said.

“This is an exciting new chapter in my career and I want to do my best for a club that has clearly had great success since I was last here.”

Jones joined Sunderland from Southampton for 6m in August 2007 and scored nine league goals last term.

He was linked with a loan move to Liverpool in January.

Current Stoke strikers Tuncay, James Beattie and Dave Kitson have all been linked with moves away from the club.

French striker Loic Remy is in talks with Stoke over a move from Nice.

The two clubs have agreed a fee of around 10m for the 23-year-old, who has scoring 27 goals in 72 games since moving to Nice from Lens.

Remy, who has been named in the French squad for next week’s game against Norway, has been a target for both West Ham and Liverpool this summer.

Stoke chairman Peter Coates and coach Mark O’Connor watched Remy playing for Nice in a friendly last week.

Earlier this summer West Ham were reported to have had a 11.2m bid for Remy turned down.

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen believes Stoke City have a realistic chance of winning a cup competition this season.

Stoke went out to eventual winners Chelsea in the last eight of the FA Cup last season, a year after reaching the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

Sorensen told BBC Radio Stoke:”It creates a lot of excitement around the place. Without playing too many games you could be in a cup final.

“With a bigger squad this year, we can give it a right go in both cups.”

Sorensen made his first start of pre-season in the 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, having been given an extended break by manager Tony Pulis following his involvement in the World Cup in South Africa with Denmark.

“It was a fantastic experience,” said Sorensen. “It’s the ultimate thing that you can participate in.

“We were disappointed that we didn’t get through the group, but there were things that worked against us.

“I’ve been training for about two weeks now and the training has been very good.

“It’s nice to be on the pitch again because it’s where all the action is.”

Sorensen will take on Asmir Begovic and Carlo Nash for the number one spot at the Britannia Stadium this season.

Defender Robert Huth is hoping that a series a good performances for Stoke City will help him force his way back into the Germany squad.

The 25-year-old has won 19 caps for his country, but was not included in the 23-man squad for the World Cup.

Huth told BBC Radio Stoke: “It’s something that I would like to do but I know it’s going to be difficult.

“I have to see in the future how I perform for Stoke and hopefully I can get back into the squad.”

Germany reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in South Africa, scoring four goals in each of their victories over England and Argentina, before losing 1-0 to Spain in the last four.

“It doesn’t seem that bad when you lose to the eventual winners,” said Huth. “The best team won the tournament in the end, but it was a good run for Germany.”

Huth’s last two appearances for Germany came during their tour of Asia last summer – three years after his previous cap.

The former Middlesbrough defender is currently taking part in his first pre-season at Stoke, having made the move to the Britannia Stadium late in the summer transfer window in August 2009.

“It’s gone really smoothly,” added Huth. “We’ve been away for a week or so [in Austria] and it’s nice to get the games going.”

Stoke begin their third season in the Premier League with an away game at Wolves on 14 August.

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says speculation linking him with a move for West Ham United and England striker Carlton Cole is untrue.

A national newspaper reported on Saturday that the Potters had made a club-record bid of 9m for Cole, 26.

“There’s no truth in it whatsoever,” Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke. “They’ve got to fill their papers and fill their television programmes.

“I’ll do all of my business with the clubs that I’m dealing with.”

Stoke have been quiet in the transfer market during pre-season, bringing in teenager Florent Cuvelier from Portsmouth and experienced goalkeeper Carlo Nash, who was released by Everton in May.

The Potters have also been linked with moves for Manchester City pair Roque Santa Cruz and Jo as Pulis looks to add more firepower to a squad which managed just 34 goals in the Premier League in 2009/10.

Cole, who has won all six of his international caps under Fabio Capello, scored 10 times for the Hammers last season and netted the only goal in their 1-0 victory over Ipswich on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Pulis has not ruled James Beattie or Dave Kitson out of his plans for the new season.

The forward pair are likely to be allowed to leave the Britannia Stadium if the club receives a suitable offer.

“They’re both Stoke City players, we still pay them and at the moment they’re working as hard as the others to keep fit,” said the Stoke manager.

“If we need them for next season, we need them for next season.”

The Potters beat Burnley 2-1 in a friendly at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium on Saturday, with Tuncay and Michael Tonge scoring the goals.

Bradford City have signed defender Lewis Hunt and striker Louis Moult.

Moult, 18, moves to Valley Parade from Premier League Stoke City on loan until Monday, 3 January 2011. He was top scorer in Stoke’s reserves last season.

Former Wycombe defender Hunt, 27, has agreed a one-year deal after impressing during the Bantams’ tour of Essex.

Manager Peter Taylor told BBC Radio Leeds: “I’m very pleased to bring them in and they give us good competition and cover in key positions.”

Moult, who has played twice for the Potters’ first team in the Carling Cup, will join the likes of James Hanson, Gareth Evans and fellow new signing Jake Speight in fighting for a starting spot upfront.

Taylor explained: “Louis is a clever striker and I’m very pleased with this signing.

“Even though he is young he is very intelligent and I’m hopeful he will come to us and do very well and score some goals.

“I think there were a few League One clubs in for him, so for a young age that shows what ability he has.

“He’s trained with us today and once he gets to know everyone I’m sure he will be great for us.”

Hunt, a former Southend player, can play as both a right-back and centre-back and earned his contract after a successful trial period at Valley Parade.

His deal could be extended, depending on the number of matches he plays for the League Two club.

“I had Lewis at Wycombe and he is a very experienced defender. He has three promotions in his career too.

“I was always very nervous that if Simon Ramsden got an injury then we wouldn’t have any real cover in that position with a recognised right-back.

“Zesh Rehman can play at right-back, but he would say he is a centre-back not a right-back and I would agree with that.

“I’m very pleased with him, he fits the bill well, will handle being here well and brings good experience.”

Stoke coach Mark O’Connor believes one big-money signing will trigger several transfer deals in the Premier League.

The Potters have only added Portsmouth teenager Florent Cuvelier and former Everton goalkeeper Carlo Nash to their squad during pre-season.

O’Connor told BBC Radio Stoke: “For example, if Manchester City sign James Milner, that will trigger it all off.

“Aston Villa would spend that money and then another team will release someone else. It will all kick on after that.”

Milner was the subject of a reported 20m bid from Manchester City during the World Cup, which was rejected by the Midlands club.

Stoke continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against relegated Burnley at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium on Saturday.

“I know it’s an old clich but the season starts on 14 August,” said O’Connor. “At the moment, we need to make sure that every player is getting plenty of time on the pitch and making sure they don’t pick up any injuries.

“Hopefully the manager [Tony Pulis] can go into the opening game against Wolves being able to pick from a full squad.”

The Potters also face Bristol Rovers and Wrexham in pre-season matches before the trip to Molineux in the first weekend of the campaign.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has described the figures that some Premier League clubs spend on wages as “ridiculous”.

“Good luck to the players if people want to pay them that much money,” he told BBC Radio Stoke.

“The industry has become a glamour industry and the sums, if they’re true, are absolutely ridiculous in my mind.”

Portsmouth teenager Florent Cuvelier is the only summer signing that Stoke, who finished 11th in the Premier League last season, have made so far.

Manchester City have been the highest-spending Premier League club of the summer so far, bringing in players such as David Silva and Yaya Toure for transfer fees in excess of 20m.

Reports claim that Ivory Coast midfielder Toure is earning around 200,000 per week at Eastlands.

Pulis admitted that he is growing tired of Stoke being linked with potential transfer targets and will wait before adding any more new players.

“We’ve been linked with 138 people and we’ll see what happens,” said Pulis. “I’m just very pleased that no one’s linked us with the players that we’re looking for.

“The best deals will be done at the back end of it [the transfer window] and we may have to wait until then to get the deals that we want.”

The Potters were beaten 1-0 by Championship side Derby County in a pre-season friendly at Pride Park on Tuesday.

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has been impressed with the improvement that striker Tuncay has made with his fitness levels during the summer.

Turkey international Tuncay, 28, joined the Potters from Championship side Middlesbrough for 5m in August 2009.

But he struggled to make a real impact, starting just 13 Premier League games.

“Tuncay’s worked hard in pre-season and he’s looked sharp,” Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke. “He looks a lot fitter than he was last year.”

Tuncay netted a hat-trick in Stoke’s 6-0 friendly victory against Newcastle Town on Saturday and is expected to be part of the squad travelling to Pride Park on Tuesday night to face Derby County.

“It’s very important that people recognise that we are overloading the players at the moment,” added Pulis.

“We’re not preparing as we would do if it was a league game and we’re making sure that they get a lot of work done.”

Stoke City began their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Turkish champions Bursaspor in Austria.

Ibrahim Ozturk scored the only goal of the game on 33 minutes, heading in a corner from close range.

Potters manager Tony Pulis utilised the majority of his squad, including goalkeeper Carlo Nash, in searing temperatures in Irdning.

Matthew Etherington, who agreed a new four-year contract on Sunday, missed the match because of a knee injury.

Stoke will remain in Austria until the weekend for further altitude training in readiness for the start of the season, although they are not scheduled to play any further matches.

The friendly with Bursaspor was only arranged on Monday, while Pulis waited to assess the physical condition of his squad.

Upon their return to England, the Potters play friendlies against Notts County, Nantwich Town, Newcastle Town, Derby County, Burnley, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.

Their opening Premier League fixture is away at Wolves on Saturday, 14 August.

Goalkeeper Carlo Nash has linked up with Stoke City in Austria with a view to signing a 12-month contract.

The 36-year-old, who spent two months on loan at Stoke in 2008, is a free agent having been released by Everton at the end of last season.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis wants cover for Thomas Sorensen and Asmir Begovic, following Steve Simonsen’s free transfer to Sheffield United.

“I’ve said all along that we need three goalkeepers,” said Pulis.

Nash made 10 appearances during his loan spell at the Britannia Stadium and was part of the team that helped Stoke win promotion to the Premier League.

However, a permanent move did not materialise and the former Preston goalkeeper joined Everton in the summer of 2008.

Although released by Everton manager David Moyes at the end of last season, he was offered the chance to train with the Merseysiders during pre-season with keepers Tim Howard and Jan Mucha on extended breaks after their exploits at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“Carlo knows us and we know him,” Pulis told the club website. “He is a top goalkeeper who did a fantastic job for this football club during the promotion-winning season.

“He was out of contract at Everton, and he is at that age now where he is happy to be third choice for us. I know if he is called upon, he will do a fantastic job.”

Meanwhile, Stoke have arranged a behind closed doors friendly against Turkish champions Bursaspor at their training base in Austria on Thursday.

The squad were not due to play any matches during their eight-day trip.

However, Potters manager Tony Pulis is happy with the progress that the team have made so far during pre-season.

“Having weighed up a number of factors, we feel this game will be a good test for us at an appropriate time in our schedule,” Pulis told the club website.

“Not only was it important to gauge the progress of our fitness work before committing to a match, we also needed to weigh up the options that were available to us in terms of opposition once we arrived at the training camp.”

Stoke have played some high-profile matches during previous pre-season visits to Austria, including a game against Real Madrid in 2007.

Upon their return, the Potters will take part in friendlies against Notts County, Nantwich Town, Newcastle Town, Derby County, Burnley, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.

Their opening Premier League fixture is away at Wolves on Saturday, 14 August.

Stoke winger Matthew Etherington has signed a new four-year deal to secure his long-term future at the club.

The 28-year-old was named Stoke’s player of the year for last season and has made a big impact since signing from West Ham in January 2009.

Manager Tony Pulis told the club’s website: “This is fantastic news. Matty has played a key role in our success.

“Natural left-wingers are like gold dust and we are lucky to have one of the best in the Premier League.”

Etherington had two years left to run on his contract but Pulis was keen to reward the player for his form, which the manager believes will see him break into the England squad.

“It was unfortunate that injury struck last season when he had a good chance of forcing his way into the reckoning for England’s World Cup squad,” said Pulis.

“The challenge for him this season is to try to improve upon on his best form and put himself in contention.

“He is one of a number of people who must feel opportunity knocks now after England’s disappointing performances in South Africa.

“With his long-term future at the club settled, the lad can now concentrate on what he does best and that is showing people he is a top, top player.”

Etherington helped the Potters avoid relegation in his first season at the Britannia Stadium, and was then a key member of the squad that finished 11th in the Premier League last season.

The former Tottenham player has scored seven goals in 52 appearances for Stoke.

Barnsley have completed the signing of Stoke midfielder Diego Arismendi on a season-long loan.

The 22-year-old Uruguay international cost Stoke 2.6m from Club Nacional in August 2009, but has only featured twice in the Carling Cup.

Arismendi finished last season on loan at Brighton, making six appearances.

Reds boss Marks Robins told BBC Radio Sheffield: “He is a good footballer and I think that he will add a different dimension to our midfield.”

Andy Griffin and Steve Simonsen have paid tribute to Stoke City’s supporters following their departures from the Britannia Stadium.

Goalkeeper Simonsen joined Sheffield United on a free transfer, while full-back Griffin has signed for Reading.

“I’m sure they [the fans] appreciate that I gave everything for the club and I’ve got very fond memories,” Griffin told BBC Radio Stoke.

“I’ve enjoyed every single minute of my time with Stoke City,” added Simonsen.

“Whether it was playing a run of 100-odd games in the team without a break or whether it was being involved on the bench, I’m so proud to have been part of the phenomenal rise of Stoke City over the past few years.”

Both players ended last season on loan at the clubs that they would go on to join for the 2010/11 campaign.

Griffin and Simonsen were key members within the squad that helped the Potters seal their return to the top-flight of English football for the first time in 23 years in May 2008.

“The promotion day was one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Simonsen, 31.

“It was such a huge achievement for the city of Stoke-on-Trent and it will live in my memory forever.”

Griffin’s last Premier League appearance came in a defeat at West Ham in December 2008, in which he was involved in an on-field altercation with team-mate Ricardo Fuller.

The former Newcastle defender said: “It ended a little bit sour unfortunately, but I’m a Stoke City fan and my boy will support Stoke as well.

“I came through the ranks under Lou Macari [during the mid-1990s] and to come back to the club and captain the side to promotion was just a dream.

“I’ll choose to dwell on the fond memories rather than the things that have happened recently. Hopefully Stoke will become a Premier League force for years to come.”

Stoke City have confirmed that Dave Kemp has returned to his role as assistant to manager Tony Pulis.

Kemp spent last season scouting for the Potters in North and South America and fills the vacancy left by Peter Reid’s appointment as Plymouth Argyle manager.

“It’s as if he’s never been away and that makes this a smooth transition,” Pulis told the club website.

“He seemed the natural choice when we were faced with finding a new assistant and I’m delighted to have him back.”

Former Plymouth and Oxford boss Kemp began his second spell as Pulis’ assistant at the Britannia Stadium in the summer of 2006.

He was part of the Stoke staff when the Potters won promotion from the Championship in 2008 and during their subsequent first season in the Premier League, but then took up a scouting role in August 2009.

After Kemp’s departure, Reid filled the position as number two at the Britannia Stadium, but left to take up the vacant manager’s post at Home Park in June.

Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross has a good chance of forcing his way into the England squad this season, according to former Potters defender Ian Cranson.

The uncapped Shawcross, 22, is one of a number of players hoping to capitalise on England’s poor World Cup campaign.

“After what’s happened this summer, he’s got as good a chance as anyone,” Cranson told BBC Radio Stoke.

“Whether he will make an international player, I don’t know. He maybe needs to improve a little bit on the ball.”

Shawcross was called up to the England squad for the first time in March, but was an unused substitute in the 3-1 friendly victory against Egypt at Wembley.

He was also in the original group of 45 players told they would be considered for selection for the World Cup by Fabio Capello, but failed to make the final 23-man squad.

England’s poor performance in South Africa, which ended with a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Germany in the second round, has led to calls for changes of personnel in the team.

Cranson added that the former Manchester United trainee is improving with every match he plays in the top-flight.

“When he first came you could see there was talent there, but he was inexperienced,” said Cranson, who made more than 200 appearances for Stoke between 1989 and 1996 and helped the Potters to the Second Division title in 1993.

“Towards the end of the first season in the Premier League, Abdoulaye Faye was as good a centre-half as you’ve seen at the Britannia Stadium and he helped Ryan no end.

“Ryan’s taken it on this year and he’s a great prospect.”

Defender Ryan Shawcross believes Stoke City can finish inside the top half of the Premier League this season.

The 22-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke that the Potters can improve further after finishing 11th in 2009/10.

“We did well last season and the season before,” he said. “Now we need to push on again and I think that will happen.

“If we can get a good run going and make our home form a bit better than it has been, I’m sure we can do it and have another good season.”

Stoke finished 12th in their debut season in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship in 2008.

Tony Pulis’ side then became only the second team in Premier League history after Blackburn in 1993/94 to improve both their position and points tally at the end of their second top-flight campaign.

Stoke have yet to make any signings during the summer, although Shawcross thinks the club are now looking to attract a better standard of player.

“We’ve established ourselves as a Premier League team and we can move on to bigger and better players,” added the former Manchester United trainee.

“At the moment there’s a lot of paper talk and the manager usually leaves it quite late, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see any new players until just before the start of the season.”

Stoke City have released goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, ending his six-year spell at the Britannia Stadium.

Simonsen had a clause in his contract which allowed him to leave if he received an offer from another club.

The 32-year-old would have started the season as the Potters’ third-choice goalkeeper behind Denmark international Thomas Sorensen and Asmir Begovic.

Simonsen played 187 games for Stoke and helped the Potters win promotion to the Premier League in May 2008.

The former Tranmere and Everton stopper fell out of favour following Sorensen’s arrival in August 2008 and spent the last two months of last season on loan at Sheffield United.

Manager Tony Pulis told the club website: “There was a clause in his contract which allowed him to move on a free if he received the right offer.

“He did well in his time at Sheffield United when he went out on loan in search of first-team football and that has led to this chance.

“‘Simmo’ came to the club in my first spell as manager and has been a great servant throughout his time here, playing a big part in us winning promotion, so we would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well.”

Reading have signed Stoke City right-back Andy Griffin on a two-year deal for a nominal fee.

The 31-year-old had been on loan with Reading since January 2010, making 25 appearances in total.

Manager Brian McDermott said: “This has been a long time coming, but good things come to those who wait.”

Griffin added: “I had a good relationship with the fans and everyone at the club so I feel at home here and I’m looking forward to the season.”

Griffin began his career at Stoke before joining Newcastle in 1998 for 1.5m.

He also had a loan spell at the Britannia Stadium, while at Portsmouth, before returning for a third spell after leaving Derby in 2008.

The defender hopes he performed well enough during his loan spell to win over the supporters.

“The fans seemed to take to me so hopefully I must have done something right,” he added. “They play a huge part, a football club is nothing without its supporters and that played a part in my decision, no question.”

McDermott believes Griffin’s is exactly the sort of player that his side needs.

“We’re getting so much experience, a guy who has been captain of a team who won this league. He knows what is required over 46 games,” he said.

“When games are getting hot he has the extra touch, he gives us that composure and he’s going to remain very, very popular.”

Stoke City will miss the experience of assistant manager Peter Reid, according to former midfielder Nigel Gleghorn.

Reid, 54, was appointed as the new boss of Plymouth on Thursday after spending 10 months at the Britannia Stadium.

“It’s a blow,” Gleghorn told BBC Radio Stoke. “Peter has been a manager and [Stoke manager] Tony Pulis took him in to benefit from his experience.

“It just means that not only has Tony got a few players to look for, he’s got a number two to look for as well.”

Reid left his position as the national coach of Thailand in August 2009 to join the Potters’ coaching staff.

He was linked with the vacancies at Bolton and Burnley during last season, and Pulis admitted he would not stand in Reid’s way if he landed another managerial role.

Former Everton and England midfielder Reid began his managerial career at Manchester City as player-boss in 1990, guiding them to fifth place in the top flight during his time at Maine Road.

Reid then spent more than seven years at Sunderland, establishing them in the Premier League.

After a short stint at Leeds United, Reid spent eight months at Coventry before being fired in January 2005.

Reid agreed to become Thailand coach on a four-year contract in September 2008 but left after just 12 months in charge.

Plymouth were relegated to League One in May after six seasons in the Championship.

Plymouth Argyle have confirmed that Stoke assistant boss Peter Reid has been named as the club’s new manager.

The 54-year-old former Manchester City, Sunderland, Leeds and Coventry manager takes control from Paul Mariner, who will retain his role as head coach.

Plymouth chairman Sir Roy Gardner said: “Peter has a wealth of experience which made him the stand-out candidate to progress the club on the pitch.

“We look forward to many years of success together.”

Reid’s last job in charge was with Thailand, who he left by mutual consent in September 2009.

Reid inherits the Home Park hot seat from Mariner, who was put in charge of first team affairs last season after Paul Sturrock’s departure in December.

Assistant coach John Carver is also expected to continue in his position.

Gardner added: “Peter’s arrival now gives Plymouth Argyle a management and coaching set-up which boasts unrivalled experience and knowledge.

“We said all along that we were seeking a man with proven experience who could help us realise our aspirations and ambitions. We want to get back to the Championship and, after that, move on.”

Former Bolton Wanderers, Everton and 13-times capped England midfielder Reid began his managerial career at Manchester City as player-boss in 1990, guiding them to fifth place in the top flight.

In 1995 Reid joined Sunderland where he spent more than seven years, twice winning promotion as he established the Wearsiders in the Premier League.

Having left Sunderland in October 2002, he returned to football five months later in the Premier League at Leeds, where he spent eight months.

The Liverpudlian then spent seven months at Coventry before being fired in January 2005.

Reid agreed to become Thailand manager on a four-year contract in September 2008 but left after just 12 months in charge.

Stoke City midfielder Rory Delap has said every player in the squad must contribute with more goals next season.

The Potters scored just 34 times in 38 matches in the Premier League last season, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers scoring fewer.

Delap told BBC Radio Stoke: “Everyone in the team should be scoring at least two or three goals in a season.”

Winger Matthew Etherington ended the campaign as Stoke’s top scorer in the Premier League with five goals.

Ricardo Fuller’s final tally of eight included five goals in cup competitions.

Delap has not scored a goal since giving Stoke the lead against Chelsea in a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge in January 2009.

“I had quite a few chances last season and should have scored,” added the former Republic of Ireland international.

“It’s a part of my game that I’m working on and it’s something that I need to improve on.”

Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross has said making his England debut is one of his main targets for next season.

Shawcross was an unused substitute for the national side during the 3-1 friendly win over Egypt in March but was not selected for the World Cup.

The 22-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke: “We have a lot of good players in my position, so it’s going to be difficult to get into the team.

“Hopefully, I can get into the squad. To play is a dream of mine.”

England lost captain Rio Ferdinand to injury before the start of the tournament in South Africa, while Ledley King limped out of the 1-1 draw with USA on Saturday.

That leaves John Terry, Jamie Carragher, Matthew Upson and the uncapped Michael Dawson as the only recognised central defenders in Fabio Capello’s squad.

Shawcross said he was not surprised that he failed to make the final 23, but thinks he can take confidence from having been so close to selection.

“I was in the group of 45 players who were told not to book any holidays and keep their phone on, but then I didn’t make it to the 30 that went to Austria, which was disappointing,” he added.

“But just to have my name in there was good for me and good for Stoke.”

England play Algeria in Cape Town on Friday evening, and Shawcross believes Carragher should be given the chance to partner Terry in the centre of defence.

“He’s got the experience and you can’t beat experience,” said Shawcross. “There’s a good combination there and hopefully they can keep the Algerians out.”

Chelsea will begin the defence of their Premier League title with a home match against newly promoted West Bromwich Albion on Saturday 14 August.

Heavyweights Liverpool and Arsenal will meet at Anfield on the opening weekend.

Last season’s runners-up Manchester United face a mouth-watering home match with top-flight new boys Newcastle.

Championship play-off winners Blackpool start at home to Wigan, while Tottenham host Manchester City, who they edged out for fourth place last term.

While Newcastle boss Chris Hughton believes his side can get a result at Old Trafford,

elsewhere on the opening day of the 2010/11 season, Aston Villa face West Ham and Everton travel to Blackburn, while Steve Bruce’s Sunderland are at home to his old club Birmingham, Stoke visit Wolves and Bolton welcome Europa League runners-up Fulham.

The Premier League season will end on 22 May, meaning it will finish after the FA Cup final for the first time since 2002.

The FA Cup final will be staged on 14 May as Wembley Stadium is hosting the Champions League final on 28 May.

Chelsea will come up against one of their former players in Baggies manager Roberto Di Matteo in their opener.

Next up for the champions will be a trip to Wigan, where they were beaten last season, before Stoke visit Stamford Bridge on 28 August.

Carlo Ancelotti’s title holders have to wait until 2 October for their first match against one of last season’s top four clubs, when they face Arsenal at home, with the return fixture on Boxing Day.

Chelsea host Manchester United on 18 December, with the two coming together at at Old Trafford on 7 May – the penultimate away fixture for the Blues.

Ian Holloway’s Blackpool will know all about the rigours of the top flight by the time they travel to Old Trafford – the visit comes on the final day, giving them a tough end to the campaign on 22 May.

Before the season starts, Chelsea and Manchester United will meet in the FA Community Shield – the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season – at Wembley on Sunday, 8 August.

You can see the full Premier League fixture list

here,

or fixtures for each English club

here.

---

Opening weekend – Saturday, 14 August

Aston Villa v West Ham
Blackburn v Everton
Blackpool v Wigan
Bolton v Fulham
Chelsea v West Brom
Liverpool v Arsenal
Man Utd v Newcastle
Sunderland v Birmingham
Tottenham v Man City
Wolverhampton v Stoke

Saturday, 21 August

Arsenal v Blackpool
Birmingham v Blackburn
Everton v Wolverhampton
Fulham v Man Utd
Man City v Liverpool
Newcastle v Aston Villa
Stoke v Tottenham
West Brom v Sunderland
West Ham v Bolton
Wigan v Chelsea

Saturday, 28 August

Aston Villa v Everton
Blackburn v Arsenal
Blackpool v Fulham
Bolton v Birmingham
Chelsea v Stoke
Liverpool v West Brom
Man Utd v West Ham
Sunderland v Man City
Tottenham v Wigan
Wolverhampton v Newcastle

NB All fixtures and kick-off times are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made.

Chief executive Tony Scholes is optimistic Stoke City will agree a new contract with Matthew Etherington.

The former Tottenham and West Ham winger, 28, won the player of the year award last season and is in talks to extend his stay with the Potters.

“We recognise fully where Matt and his people are coming from and I’m sure they understand our position,” Scholes told BBC Radio Stoke.

“We’ve made Matt a very good offer and I’ll be meeting his people again soon.”

Etherington joined Stoke from West Ham in January 2009 and has scored seven goals in 52 appearances.

He helped the Potters avoid relegation in his first season at the Britannia Stadium, and then was a key member of the squad that finished 11th in the Premier League last season.

Such was his form, Etherington was tipped for a call-up to the England squad by Stoke manager Tony Pulis.

Scholes added that while the club want to keep hold of their best players, the Potters will not be held to ransom over players’ contract demands.

“We’ve got to find a balance with these things,” he continued. “We’d always like to give players whatever they want to keep them at the club, but some clubs have gone down that route and it’s not led to a good end.

“It’s our job to make sure that we reward people appropriately, but also that we don’t get carried away.”

Nathaniel Wedderburn has agreed a two-year deal with Northampton Town after being released by Stoke City.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who never made a senior appearance while at the Britannia Stadium, will join the Cobblers on 1 July.

Boss Ian Sampson told BBC Radio Northampton: “He’s got a dominance about him. For someone of such a young age he’s got a physical frame on him.

“He’s left-footed which gives us good balance and he’s an all-round athlete.”

Wedderburn had three months on loan at Notts County in the 2008/09 season, making 11 appearances, before another loan switch in November to Hereford, where he featured three times.

He played for Hereford against Sampson’s men in League Two in December last season, with the Bulls coming out 3-1 winners.

The midfielder fits into Sampson’s blueprint of taking on young players he can help develop, but the Cobblers manager is wary a successful season may see the youngster attracting the attention of other clubs.

“Hopefully we will get promoted and his stock will rise and he may move on, but hopefully he’ll stay with us,” he said.

“Our objective is to get promoted but to do it in a slightly different way and it means bringing younger players in and trying to develop them.”

Wedderburn, who can also play at centre-half, has three England Under-19s caps and was a regular for Stoke’s youth and reserve sides.

Now he says he is ready to take on the challenge of League Two football.

He said: “It’s a physical battle; it’s difficult to get the ball down and play.

“After being released I just wanted to find another club and I know this is a club that’s pushing forwards.

“I just want to play as many games as I can.”

Meanwhile, Sampson has confirmed that defender Abdul Osman and midfielder Liam Davis have yet to accept the club’s offer of new contracts.

Cardiff City and Wales midfielder Joe Ledley held talks with Stoke City about a possible move to the Britannia Stadium, reports BBC Radio Stoke.

Ledley, who is out of contract with the Championship club, would command a fee as he is still under the age of 24.

The 23-year-old was in Stoke-on-Trent on Monday to visit the stadium and the club’s new training facilities.

Celtic and Roma are among the clubs also linked with Ledley, who has scored two goals in 27 appearances for Wales.

Stoke had bids of 5m and 6m for the player rejected by Cardiff in September 2008, several weeks after the Potters had been promoted to the Premier League.

Ledley made his Football League debut as a 17-year-old and has played 255 games for Cardiff, including the FA Cup final defeat by Portsmouth in 2008.

He also scored in Cardiff’s 3-2 loss to Blackpool in the Championship play-off final at Wembley in May.

Stoke City are happy to scour the foreign market for new signings, says first team coach Mark O’Connor.

Of the 20 players the Potters have signed since promotion to the Premier League in May 2008, only one has been from a club outside England.

O’Connor told BBC Radio Stoke: “If a player is British-based, he’s a good player and we can get him, we will.

“If he’s a foreign lad and we can afford it, we’ll go that route as well. It’s just about improving the squad.”

O’Connor continued: “It doesn’t matter which nationality he is. The more you’re in the Premier League, you can spread your wings a little bit further.

“You think one or two players will come to you that perhaps wouldn’t have done so before, and that’s exciting for the club.”

Uruguay international midfielder Diego Arismendi, from Club Nacional, is the only player that Stoke have signed from abroad in the past two seasons, while only two Arismendi and Seyi Olofinjana, had no Premier League experience before moving to the Britannia Stadium.

As they prepare for their third consecutive campaign in the top-flight, O’Connor believes Stoke are more capable of attracting the players they need than when they were first promoted.

“There will be a certain budget and we know as a football club that we have to work within that, which isn’t a problem,” he added.

“Our defensive record was very good last year, but we need to score more goals in all areas of the pitch.

“Everybody’s looking for that player that can get you those 15 or 20 goals and they’re very difficult to come by, but we’re much more of an attractive proposition now, having been in the Premier League for two years and doing so well.”

Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence has told BBC Scotland he would love the opportunity to join Celtic.

Celtic have tabled a bid of 1.5m for the 28-year-old, with the Potters looking for around 2m for the Republic of Ireland international.

“It’s a massive club, one of the biggest in Britain and it doesn’t need selling for me,” said Lawrence.

“If I get the chance to go there and the clubs agree a fee, I’ll walk up there. I want to come that bad.”

Lawrence, who joined Stoke in 2006, found himself in and out of the side in the season just passed.

And he could become Neil Lennon’s first signing as Celtic manager, with the Northern Irishman expected to take on the role on a permanent basis.

“My agent told me there was some interest about a week ago and I think the clubs have just been getting on with it and speaking to each other ever since,” explained Lawrence.

“As soon as the manager’s position is made clear I would have thought they would get nearer to agreeing a fee.

“I’m just waiting to see what happens with the manager. I don’t think anything will be getting done until his situation is resolved.”

Lennon appears to have made strengthening his midfield one of his priorities and Celtic remain favourites to sign the out-of-contract Wales international Joe Ledley from Cardiff City.

Ledley, who is also interesting Rangers, Everton, West Ham United, Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic, visited Celtic’s training ground on Monday but is to travel to meet officials of Italian Serie A outfit Roma early next week as he considers his options.

Celtic last month missed out on the signing of Republic of Ireland midfielder Steven Reid, who opted to join West Brom after being released by Blackburn.

Lawrence revealed he had discussed the prospect of joining Celtic with international team-mate Robbie Keane, who spent the second half of last season on loan in Glasgow.

“I asked Robbie Keane (about Celtic) last week when I was away with Ireland and he said it was a massive, massive club, with an amazing support and fantastic training facilities,” he said.

“I think Celtic need to do well next season, there’s a little bit of pressure to win something.

“And if I did get the chance I’d be trying my best to help them do that.”

The Nottinghamshire-born Lawrence, who has also been the subject of interest from Wolves, began his career with Mansfield Town before a three-year spell with Sunderland.

He had initially joined the Potters on loan from Sunderland, where he played under present Wolves manager Mick McCarthy, and the move was made permanent for a fee of 500,000 in January 2007.

Lawrence became a first-team regular under Tony Pulis and signed a new contract last year that tied him to the club until 2013.

However, only 14 of his 33 appearances this season came as part of the starting line-up.

Stoke City have confirmed that they will not begin work to increase the capacity at the Britannia Stadium in the immediate future.

Director Richard Smith told BBC Radio Stoke: “We’ve made no secret of the fact that we’ve been looking into the feasibility of expanding the stadium.

“At the moment, we have no immediate plans to expand the stadium but we are giving it due consideration.”

The Britannia Stadium was opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 28,384.

However, that number has been reduced to 27,598 since Stoke’s promotion to the Premier League in 2008 due to segregation.

Meanwhile, Smith has confirmed that the development of the club’s training ground is on schedule and should be complete by the start of the season in August.

“We’re progressing well since we had the cold winter weather earlier in the year,” he said. “It’s mainly the finishing inside the building that needs to be done.

“We plan to have an official opening later on in the year.”

Steve Simonsen says he would be prepared to end his six-year stay at Stoke to secure first-team football.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper is currently third choice behind Thomas Sorensen and Asmir Begovic at the Britannia Stadium.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: “The manager has known me a long time and he knows it would benefit me hugely to be playing regular football.

“Whether that comes in the form of a loan move or a permanent move I don’t know, but I wouldn’t rule it out.”

Simonsen, who has played 187 games for Stoke since signing on a free transfer from Everton in July 2004, spent the final seven weeks of the season on loan at Championship side Sheffield United.

The former Tranmere goalkeeper was displaced as the Potters’ number one by Sorensen following Stoke’s promotion to the Premier League in 2008 and fell further down the pecking order when Begovic joined from Portsmouth for 3.25m in February.

Simonsen has played just eight games in the top flight for Stoke, three as a substitute.

The former England Under-21 international added that despite his affinity for the club, remaining the third-choice goalkeeper at Stoke is not something that appeals to him.

“You’re never entirely happy being second-choice goalkeeper,” said Simonsen. “It’s slightly different because you’re always involved in the squad every week.

“Although I wasn’t frozen out cold, the manager wanted me to stay amongst the squad, but it’s tough watching the games when you’re not involved.

“It’s always on the cards that I may well move on, depending on what comes in. I’ve already been on loan to Sheffield United, which was thoroughly enjoyable.

“Everyone knows I have a huge passion for Stoke City and that will never die. I’ve been here for so long, I’ve seen the low points of the club and the highest points.

“But in football, you can’t hang around somewhere just because you love the place. You’ve got to think about your own career.

“If the chance comes to move on, I will certainly think about it and maybe it will happen.”

Reading manager Brian McDermott says he would like to sign Stoke’s right-back Andy Griffin on a permanent basis.

Griffin, 30, joined the Royals on loan in January and McDermott would like to have him back for next season.

He told BBC Berkshire: “We’re trying to do something with Stoke and with Andy. He knows my feelings about that.

“We’ve seen at Reading what a good passer he is and the way he conducts himself with the younger players – they gravitate towards him.”

McDermott added: “When we took him there were a few people who weren’t sure about him because he hadn’t played many games over a period of time.

“But I remember watching him in two reserve games for Stoke and it shone out to me what a great attitude he had and what a good player he was.”