Goran Popov's loan move to Stoke City collapses

Goran Popov's loan move to Stoke City from Dynamo Kiev has collapsed after the Macedonian failed to receive international clearance.

Popov agreed a season-long loan with the Potters, but he revealed there have been problems obtaining a work permit.

He told BBC Radio Stoke: "I came here, everything was ready and then they say the problem is visa - I can't work here without it.

"I have to go, I have no choice. The problem is with the rules in England."

He continued: "I see that Stoke City is good for me, so that's why I wanted to stay, but I can't change anything.

"This was my dream from [when I was] young because I like English football, but now I wait."

The 27-year-old first came to the attention of Stoke manager Tony Pulis when the Potters met Dynamo in last season's Europa League competition.

And if the work permit problems are not resolved, Popov says he will return to the Ukrainian side.

"If it doesn't happen then I go back to Kiev, I have a contract there for two years," he added.

"But I wanted to play football in England because I like English football and you play against so many big teams."

Popov, who has accumulated 42 caps for his national team in eight years, has played all across Europe for teams including Red Star Belgrade, Egaleo and Heerenveen, before moving to Kiev in 2010.

Last season Popov made 16 league appearances for Dynamo as they finished second in the Ukrainian Premier League.