Midfielder Deal Close?

Last updated : 23 August 2011 By Dan Buxton

Stoke's bid to sign Tottenham powerhouse midfielder Wilson Palacios is set to finally bear fruits, with reports suggesting the Potters are closing on completing a club record equalling £8m deal for the Honduran international. 

Palacios, 27, has fallen out of favour at Spurs since the emergence of fellow defensive midfielder Sandro and, two years after arriving at White Hart lane for £14m, looks set to depart last seasons Champions League quarter finalists.

Stoke were reported to have completed the signing a fortnight ago but the deal has stalled of late as Spurs concentrate their efforts on keeping hold of Luka Modric and bringing in big name players like Emmanuel Adebayor and Lass Diarra.

The £9m move for Diarra is believed to be the final piece of the jigsaw that would see Spurs set Palacios free to join the Potters with the Real Madrid man a direct replacement in the squad.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has said he still hopes to bring in five or six new players with the transfer window set to shut at 11pm on Wednesday 31st August.