Michael Owen to Sign for Stoke; Laudrup Appointed Swansea Manager

Michael Owen could be on his way to Stoke City, despite interest from boyhood club Everton.The 32-year-old was released by Manchester United and has stated he intends to continue playing in the Premier League. The injury-ravaged forward is reported to have plenty of suitors, despite only playing 10 games since January 2011.Stoke, have publicly expressed their interest to bring in Owen and have now emerged as the frontrunners, with the former England international expected to hold contract talks in the next few weeks.Swansea have quickly moved to replace Brendan Rodgers by appointing Michael Laudrup. The former Barcelona and Real Madrid legend signed a two-year contract with the Welsh club and will now look to try and persuade Glyfi Sigurdson to sign for the Swans. Sigurdson has been stalling on signing a deal with Swansea, after Rodgers left for Liverpool."I'm very pleased to sign for Swansea City. It's going to be a new experience for me and I'm really looking forward to it. I've spoken to many people about Swansea and watched a number of their games on DVD. Everyone knows the style of football Swansea play and it suits my way of thinking.Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins was determined to land a big name manager and said he was delighted to sign the former Denmark international."We are delighted with the appointment," Jenkins said. "Michael has a clear picture and understanding of what we require at Swansea City to build on the good work and strides we have made over the last few years as a football club."There is no doubt about his standing as one of the game's greatest footballers, but we also see the qualities he has as a manager."Everyone I've spoken to about Michael during the appointment process can't speak highly enough about him, not just as a football man, but as a person. I'm confident that Michael will prove a fantastic acquisition that will help keep this football club moving forward."West Ham are making waves in the transfer market and manager Sam Allardyce is ready to hand a trial to former Real Madrid midfielder Guti. The Spaniard, who won 5 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League titles with Real, is a free agent after being released by Turkish club Besiktas. "Yes West Ham are interested but nothing decided yet," Guti told Goal.com. "We are negotiating."West Ham have already signed experienced goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen on a one-year contract, with an option for another year. The Hammers, who made it to the Premier League via the playoffs, are also in pole position to land free agent Mohammed Diame.Meanwhile, former Blackburn defender Ryan Nelsen completed a move to Queens Park Rangers after the New Zealander was released by Tottenham. The 34-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the London side.