Michael Owen, Manchester United

Michael Owen has officially been given the green light to play for Stoke City, after the Premier League confirmed the player’s registration. The Guardian reports.

It gives Owen the chance to re-ignite his career in the Potteries and move on from his stop-start time at Manchester United, following his release by the club at the end of last season.

The 32-year-old made 52 appearances in three seasons at Old Trafford, scoring 17 goals- the most notable coming as a last-minute winner to beat Manchester City in a dramatic 4-3 derby victory.

He previously played for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle, as well as making 89 caps for England and scoring 40 goals for his country.

He is Tony Pulis’ seventh summer signing, with the arrivals of Jamie Ness, Geoff Cameron, Michael Kightly, Maurice Edu, Charlie Adam and Steven Nzonzi.

Owen was clearly delighted with the move after stating on twitter: "It's official! Deal done. I'm a Stoke player. Can't wait to get going."

The deal was completed on Tuesday, but the club had to wait until the following day for the deal to be approved by the Premier League.

This caused doubts as to whether Owen would be able to play for Stoke after the Potters had already submitted their 25-man squad, but they were allowed to include him as the relevant paperwork was submitted in time for the player to be signed as a free agent.

A Premier League statement read: "The Premier League board has confirmed to Stoke City the registration of Michael Owen. Consequently he can be included in their 25-man playing squad."