Premier League new boys Stoke have had a bid accepted by Southampton for defender Andrew Davies.

The 23-year-old was named Saints' player of the year last season after completing a £1million permanent switch to St Mary's in January.

But the cash-strapped Coca-Cola Championship club need to get their higher earners off the wage bill and the Potters are reportedly set to pay around £1.3million for Davies.

City manager Tony Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke: "We've made an offer to Southampton for Andrew Davies, which has been accepted.

"He's a good young player who's got some ability and some experience in the Premier League."

Southampton boss Jan Poortvliet has confirmed the former Middlesbrough centre-half, 23, has expressed his desire to move back to the Premier League.

The return of Michael Svensson, following four years of injury trouble, means Poortvliet can allow Davies - who has yet to recover from a summer knee operation - to move on.

He told the club's official website, www.saintsfc.co.uk: "Andrew has been out injured since my arrival and I have not seen him play.

"His agent has been keen for him to complete a deal away from the club and if players and agents feel that way then it doesn't help the rest of the team.

"Andrew is one of the high earners at the club and the financial pressures that have been placed on us by the bank have not been made secret."

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