Neil Warnock's hopes of landing Stoke City striker Cameron Jerome have been dashed after an offer was rejected by manager Tony Pulis.

The Leeds United manager approached Stoke about a loan deal for the striker just over a week ago but was rebuffed by Pulis as he had concerns over the fitness of Michael Owen.

However, Warnock decided to ask the question once again after seeing his side conceded six at home against Watford at the weekend.

Cameron Jerome
Jerome celebrating with Peter Crouch [Reuters]

Stoke once again refused the request as Pulis believes he has a lack of options in reserve with Owen struggling for fitness and Jonathan Walters failing to replicate his impressive form from last season.

The Daily Mail has reported that Pulis has refused to allow Jerome to join the Championship side, despite the striker making just four appearances all season and struggling to force his way into the starting XI.

Stoke have relied heavily on the form of Crouch this season, the England international featuring in all eleven Premier League games and scoring four goals.

Crouch has been used as a lone forward for much of the season as Pulis has looked to accommodate summer signing Charlie Adam in the starting side.

This has meant that Jerome has made just one start in the Capital One Cup defeat by Swindon, while he has not started a single Premier League game.

Leeds are desperate to bring in some new players and had hoped to use the loan window to their advantage. They have recently slipped to 18<sup>th in the table and will need to improve if they are to secure a place in the top six by the end of the season.

The club are also being forced to wait on details of a potential takeover as this will directly affect Warnock's ability to make transfers when the January transfer window opens.