The Potters seem resigned to goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, and look set to bring in Watford and England keeper Scott Loach as a replacement.
Loach, who was recently called upto the England squad by Fabio Capello, has been a regular in the Hornets side for over two years and has been attracting interest from numerous Premier League clubs over the last twelve months.
The twenty year old stopper will be brought in initially as back up to number one Thomas Sorensen, with the directive to keep the Dane on his toes and push to get the best out of the six foot five inch goalkeeper.
The Potters have already turned down bids of £4m and £4.5m from Chelsea for Begovic but it is believed that if the Pensioners match City's £6m valuation then the Potters will do a deal.
That deal also rests on City bringing in a suitable replacement, with Loach top of the list, and the Potters look set to come out of this transfer merry go round with a profit.