Stoke City have temporarily blocked Matthew Upson's proposed move to Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua.

The 32-year-old defender is believed to be in talks with the Chinese Super League club over a move to East Asia.

While the defender is prepared to abandon the Britannia Stadium, Stoke boss Tony Pulis is understood to have refused the move due to Robert Huth's ban, according to the Daily Mail.

Huth has been suspended for three matches after the Potters' red card appeal was rejected by the Football Association.

Pulis is desperate to keep hold of Upson in order to cover the defence in Huth's absence.