Stoke City near to £2.6m Jermaine Pennant deal and target USA striker Edson Buddle

Stoke are close to tying up a £2.6million deal with Real Zaragoza for Jermaine Pennant and are considering a move for USA international striker Edson Buddle.



Manager Tony Pulis warned last week that he would not pay the £6m fee Zaragoza were reportedly demanding for Pennant.



But Stoke were hopeful on Tuesday night the Spaniards will accept less than half that figure for Pennant, who arrived on a six-month deal in August.



Winging in: Stoke are positive they can strike a deal to sign pennant on a permanent basis

Buddle, 29, has been offered an extended trial at Birmingham but is keen to sort out a move quickly and Stoke are interested along with Everton and Wolves - who missed out on his compatriot Robbie Findley after he opted to join Nottingham Forest.



Pulis has also given midfielder Danny Pugh a new one-year contract, while extending his loan spell at Preston by another month.

