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Phil Jagielka: Stoke City close in as ex-England defender exits Derby

Stoke City are close to signing former England defender Phil Jagielka on a free transfer.

Jagielka had to be released by Derby on Friday morning after the EFL refused to sanction a contract extension as they wait for funding proof for the rest of the season from Derby's administrators.

Stoke are favourites to secure 39-year-old Jagielka, having acted quickly.

Jagielka joined Wayne Rooney's Derby on a short-term deal in the summer after he was released by Sheffield United.

His deal was not due to expire until Monday but given there was no chance of an extension, Derby released Jagielka immediately.