Robert Huth given permission to speak to Leicester

Huth has made just four appearances for Stoke this season and has struggled with a recent knee injury but Leicester are believed to be keen on signing the German on loan before Monday's transfer deadline.

Foxes boss Nigel Pearson, who takes his side to Manchester United on Saturday, refused to rule out any new signings on Thursday.

His team are bottom of the Barclays Premier League, having conceded 34 goals in 22 games.

Huth, 30, has been at the Britannia Stadium for six years since joining from Middlesbrough, making 187 appearances and scoring 18 goals.