Stoke City still keen on Michael Owen - Tony Pulis

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says he would still love to sign former England striker Michael Owen, but insists any deal has to be right.

Owen, 32, is a free agent after being released by Manchester United in May.

Pulis, whose side drew 1-1 with Reading in their opening Premier League game of the season, told BBC Sport: "I am a great admirer of his.

"It would be lovely to bring him in and I think he would be a very good signing, but it has to be right."

He added: "Traditionally if we are dealing we do it late on because we think that is the best value we can get. We are hoping and praying that one or two things will drop for us that will improve the squad because we need to do that. And one or two will leave as well."

The stumbling block on any potential deal for Owen could be the former Liverpool and Newcastle forward's wage demands.

Pulis said on Friday: "There's still stuff happening and going on. Whether we can do a deal or not is another matter."

Stoke have plenty of strikers at the club in Peter Crouch, Jon Walters, Mamady Sidibe, Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome.

Pulis may need to sell to accommodate the former Liverpool, Newcastle and Real Madrid player who wants to continue playing in the Premier League.

"I've always said he's a good player and someone I think people in the club would like to have around," Pulis added.

"He's a great professional as well and Crouchy has shown what great professionals can do for the football club."