Potters in Lukaku loan talks

Sky Sports sources understand that Stoke City are in talks with Chelsea over a proposed loan move for new signing Romelu Lukaku.

Stoke boss has made no secret of his desire to bolster the Potters squad ahead of Wednesday's 11pm transfer deadline.

Stoke are looking to maintain the growth they have made over the past few years in the Premier League, while they also have to handle with the demands of a Europa League campaign this season.

A number of players have been linked with a move to the Britannia Stadium and it is understood that Lukaku has been identified as a possible transfer target.

The two clubs are now believed to be in discussions over a loan deal, with Chelsea apparently open to the idea of letting him go on a short-term basis.

Lukaku only arrived at Stamford Bridge from Belgian side Anderlecht this month and made his Premier League debut as a late substitute against Norwich City at the weekend.

Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas may feel that he has enough attacking options at his disposal for the near future with the likes of Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge, while Lukaku would benefit from gaining experience of English football by playing more regularly at Stoke.

The powerful Belgian teen-ager would be an exciting addition to the Potters squad but he is not the only player under consideration by Pulis.

It is understood that the Potters are also in pole position to sign Cameron Jerome from relegated Birmingham ahead of Fulham.