Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has told loan signing Jermaine Pennant he can earn a permanent deal if he impresses during his stay.
The former Liverpool midfielder joined the Potters on deadline day in a loan move from Real Zaragoza.
Pennant's current loan deal runs out in January but Coates has confirmed the Potters will sign Pennant on a permanent basis if he impresses during his loan stay at the Britannia Stadium.
"That's very much an option for us," Coates told The Sun.
"He has real pace and ability so we're hoping it goes well for him and us.
"I certainly think we have exciting players up front - the most exciting we've ever seen here.
"The current team is one of the best we've ever had, arguably the best ever as the top division is much more international than it ever was."
Pennant has already stated he would welcome the chance to move to Stoke permanently if the opportunity presented itself.