Championship promotion chasers Stoke could be set to announce a surprise affiliation with Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.Chief Executive Tony Scholes and Director of Football John Rudge are currently in Portugal exploring the possibility of an affiliation between the two clubs.

The duo travelled to the Portuguese capital on Monday for initial talks with the European giants board about a deal which could link all levels of football between the two club's from the Academy up to the first-team.

The link-up would be a huge boost to the Potters as they look to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League with just two games left to play.

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