Stoke City are reported to have joined Town in a race to sign Portsmouth striker David Nugent on loan. The Blues have agreed a loan fee and terms with Pompey regarding Nugent but the Potters are claimed to be ready to scupper the deal.

Town expect Nugent to move to Portman Road this week once he is confident he is over his groin injury, Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp having left the final decision up to the player.

Stoke would have to match the terms agreed between the Premier League side and the Blues, something their management may be willing to do if manager Tony Pulis thinks it will help them maintain their promotion campaign.

Stoke, currently second in the table, have lost their last two games and Pulis may feel his side needs freshening up for the final 11 games of the season.

Weekend radio reports claimed Nugent was at Colchester's game with Wolves, suggesting a move to Molineux might be on the cards, however this appears to have been incorrect.

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