Stephen Ward is training with Championship side Stoke City after his release by Burnley.

The Potters returned to pre-season training on Wednesday morning with their five new signings in tow.

And Ward could well become Nathan Jones’ sixth summer recruit – and reunite himself with ex-Clarets striker Sam Vokes – as Stoke prepare for their second successive season at Championship level.

Former Republic of Ireland international has tasted promotion from the division, including twice with Burnley.

Ward started his career in English football at Wolves and helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2009.

The left back was then part of Sean Dyche’s squad that returned to the top flight in 2016.

Reports in Staffordshire say boss Jones is keen to bring in two new left backs, which would signal the departure of Dutch international Erick Pieters who finished last season at Amiens, with Ward among those under consideration.

Ward made just 11 appearances last season for Burnley having had knee surgery in October which saw Charlie Taylor become first-choice at left back.

In total Ward played 113 times for the Clarets, scoring four goals, having joined from Wolves back in 2014.

Boss Sean Dyche said of his departure: “Wardy’s been brilliant for us, absolutely brilliant, he’s done a fantastic job.”

Stoke announced five new signings on Tuesday evening, bringing in Adam Davies, Jordan Cousins, Nick Powell and Lee Gregory as free transfers and Liam Lindsay from Barnsley for a fee in the region of £2m.