Stoke hold James switch talks

The potential transfer from Portsmouth is being discussed by the clubs' chief executives Tony Scholes and Peter Storrie.

Pulis believes James will add to the competition for the No 1 spot at the Britannia Stadium, although has refused to rule out the chance of Thomas Sorensen leaving as the Dane has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich.

"We'll have to see if the two clubs can come to a deal and we're hoping it will be tied up for the weekend, but it will have to be right for us," said Pulis.

"If we can get him we'll be absolutely delighted because if there's a weakness (in the squad) it's been between the sticks in respect of having competition and back-up.

"We lost Thomas immediately before the Fulham game and if anything had happened to (deputy) Steve Simonsen, then we wouldn't have had a goalkeeper."

With James known to be itching for first-team football to enhance his prospects of playing for England in the World Cup, Pulis feels that strengthens his chances of recruiting the 39-year-old.

"You are signing a goalkeeper of real quality, and if he comes here he has a few months' football to play," added Pulis.