Stoke fear pile-up in Car race

Tony Pulis fears Stoke’s bid to sign Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson will be thwarted by the pulling power of a more established rival.

Stoke have had a £4 million bid accepted for Carson, who has also been linked with moves to Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion.

Pulis met Carson on Monday to discuss a transfer but has yet to hear back from the England cap, who is mulling over a move to the Premier League new boys.

“We’re trying to build a football club here and we’re trying to build a reputation,” said Pulis.

“The problem is the other clubs involved have been in the Premier League before.

“We’ve not been in the top flight for 23 years, so we will find it a bit harder.

“We have to accept that and get on with it.

“We’ve made Scott an offer and if we can do it, we will. If we can’t, then we’ll move on.

“He’s the right age and we think it would be a great deal for the football club if Scott came.”