Albion edge ahead of Stoke in the race to sign Carson

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Stoke made the first move to agree £3.5million with Liverpool and began the task of trying to convince the England keeper of where his international ambitions would best be served.

Decision: Scott Carson

The 22-year-old, a £1million signing from Leeds four seasons ago, met Stoke manager Tony Pulis yesterday morning and was due for negotiations with West Brom before deciding on his next move after they also matched Liverpool's valuation.

However, despite promising talks with Pulis, Carson was last night leaning towards West Brom and may finalise terms this morning.

After arriving at Anfield with high hopes of establishing himself as first choice for club and country, Carson struggled to dislodge Pepe Reina and made just nine appearances, prior to spending last season on loan at Aston Villa.

He was widely expected to make the move permanent, only to suffer another setback when Villa manager Martin O'Neill coolled on the idea and pursued other targets instead.

Though the fee may rise to £4m with add-ons, it still represents a climbdown for Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez after he valued his reserve keeper at a minimum of £8m last season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's hopes of raising more funds for their transfer targets were dealt a blow yesterday when Juventus confirmed the signing of Christian Poulsen from Sevilla - seemingly ending their pursuit of Xabi Alonso.