Stoke have held talks with Aston Villa striker John Carew, according to assistant manager Dave Kemp.

Stoke assistant manager Dave Kemp hailed the club’s “main man” Tony Pulis after another show of commitment for – and by – the Potters.

Dave Kemp has returned to Stoke as assistant manager following Peter Reid’s recent departure to take charge of Plymouth.

CROWNED champions of the world in Japan less than a week ago, Manchester United quickly discovered their new found standing counts for nothing in the more mundane surroundings of the Britannia Stadium.