Stoke signing fighting to save deal

Stoke's season-long loan deal for Dynamo Kiev's Goran Popov looks in doubt after the Macedonian full-back failed to secure a work-permit.

Popov is desperate for the move to go through, but has seen his application for international clearance rejected as Macedonia are only ranked 102 in the world.

This may all but cancel any potential deal, but a Stoke representative has put it down to "difficulties" rather than totally rule out the move, so there may be hope for player and club yet.