Ex-SAFC player makin it possible for Mick to bag Clarke?

Media in Staffordshire are speculating today that an ex-Sunderland player's move to Stoke could well pave the way for the Potters' skipper Clive Clarke to join Sunderland.

Clarke has been linked with a move to Sunderland since late last season and Stoke are said to have only recently rejected a firm offer from Mick McCarthy.

However the Stoke Sentinel newspaper said today that former Sunderland right-back Chris 'Shooooooot' Makin has joined the Potters on their pre-season tour of Germany. Makin has been offered a trial with the club and there's speculation that if he impresses, the move could be made permanent with a view to Clarke being finally allowed to leave.

Mick faces a battle to secure Clarke's signature, however - West Ham gaffer Alan Pardew has also made no secret of his interest in the player.