Stoke target Jamaican Austin deal

Stoke City are hoping to make 22-year-old Jamaican defender Rudolph Austin their first summer signing.

Austin had a spell on trial at the Britannia Stadium last season and a transfer fee had been agreed with his club Portmore United.

But he had not played the required number of internationals for Jamaica to be granted a work permit.

The deal has now be revived because Austin has since gained more international experience.

Austin hit the required number of international appearances in Jamaica's 6-0 World Cup qualifier win over the Bahamas on Wednesday.

But there may be a further snag may because the Reggae Boyz have fallen outside the top 70 of Fifa's international rankings.

It is thought a fee of around £1m was agreed in August for Austin, who can play at centre back or in midfield.

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