by Martin Spinks
martin.spinks@thesentinel.co.uk

STOKE looked set to wrap up their first senior signing of the summer today as lengthy negotiations with Sunderland midfielder Dean Whitehead drew towards a successful conclusion.

City boss Tony Pulis is anxious to sew up the transfer after several weeks of talks with Whitehead’s representatives.

If signed in time, Pulis could blood his new acquisition in tomorrow’s friendly at Preston North End (3pm).

The deal moved a significant step closer earlier this week when Whitehead remained at home while the rest of the Sunderland squad flew to the Algarve for a pre-season tour.

Whitehead, who can play centrally or wide, was further attracted to the Potteries after talks with his friend and former Sunderland colleague Liam Lawrence. His arrival will make it five former Black Cats on Stoke’s books, alongside Lawrence, Thomas Sorensen,
Rory Delap and Danny Higginbotham.

The 27-year-old has 200 Sunderland appearances under his belt and ended his five-year stay on Wearside wearing the captain’s armband.

Whitehead’s signature is likely to grease the wheels for Seyi Olofinjana’s proposed move to French club Monaco following earlier talks between the two clubs to cut short the Nigerian midfielder's one-year stay at the Britannia.

Stoke City stories online today:
Breaking News: Whitehead signs
Whitehead's like a Volvo - unfashionable, but reliable"
Beattie targets 15-goal haul next season
Jon “Who scored all the goals?” Parkin set for Potters reunion
Whitehead deal imminent