Stoke City are current favourites to sign Ivory Coast forward Kanga Akale on loan, despite interest from numerous German clubs.

The frontman quit Lens after the club were relegated last season and missed out on a move to Marseille, where he was on loan, this summer.

Reports now suggest the 27-year-old is on the verge of a move to the Britannia Stadium before the close of the transfer window.

A representative of the player said: "Stoke are interested, yes. They want to sign him before next Monday, that's the plan.

"It would be a loan, with an option for a transfer next summer. I think there are good chances this deal will happen.

"Plenty of German clubs are interested in him as well, but I can tell you that he is attracted by the Premier League."