Pulis hopeful over James

James: Wanted by Stoke

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Tony Pulis is hopeful that England goalkeeper David James will be a Stoke player in time for Saturday's league game against Liverpool.

The 39-year-old could be on his way from Portsmouth, with the potential loan switch being discussed by the clubs' chief executives Tony Scholes and Peter Storrie.

While Pulis believes James will add to the competition for the No.1 spot at the Britannia Stadium, he also acknowledges that Thomas Sorensen could be leaving, with the Dane being linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

Pulis said: "We'll have to see if the two clubs (Stoke and Portsmouth) can come to a deal and we're hoping it will be tied up for the weekend, but it will have to be right for us.

Weakness

"If we can get him we'll be absolutely delighted because if there's a weakness (in the squad) it's been between the sticks in respect of having competition and back-up.

"We lost Thomas (to injury) immediately before the Fulham game and if anything had happened to (deputy) Steve Simonsen, then we wouldn't have had a goalkeeper.

"It would have been a tragedy for us, and it really opens up your eyes.

"So we've an opportunity to bring in a top-class goalkeeper because we have heard he might be available."

The major factor in Pulis' wish to sign James is the fact that the 39-year-old is itching for first-team football to enhance his prospects of playing for England in the World Cup.

Fighting

The Stoke boss added: "You are signing a goalkeeper of real quality, and if he comes here he has a few months' football to play.

"Sorensen has done brilliantly, so they will both be fighting for that one spot, but he (James) has something to prove as well.

"He'll want to be on that plane to South Africa, and that attracts me to him more than anything else. He is desperate to play for England in the World Cup.

"So if we can bring him in and give him the opportunity to prove he is the best goalkeeper in England, and he proves that, then we'll be delighted."

But Pulis acknowledges there is every opportunity of Sorensen leaving to make way for James.

"We've heard the rumours that there are clubs in Europe who fancy Thomas, and it makes it more important that we cover ourselves," said Pulis.

"If Bayern Munich, Manchester United or Chelsea come in for Thomas, he would want to better himself like everybody else does, just like (Cristiano) Ronaldo wanted to go to Real Madrid.

"But it is a fragile area. Hopefully we're covering it by bringing in David."