Stoke beat the transfer deadline to wrap up the signings of midfielders Tom Soares and Michael Tonge.

Having already secured the return of defender Danny Higginbotham from Sunderland, Potters boss Tony Pulis brought in Soares from Crystal Palace and Sheffield United star Tonge.

Palace academy graduate Soares moves for an initial fee of £1.25million, which could rise to £2million, and has signed a four-year deal while the Potters will pay a fee of £2million for Tonge, 25, who has also penned a four-year deal after eight years and more than 250 appearances for the Blades

Chief executive Tony Scholes told the club's official website: "We are delighted to have captured a very talented young English player like Tom. Despite being just 22 years old he has amassed over 150 league appearances, and also has Premier League experience.

"He is a player the manager rates extremely highly and we believe he will prove to be an excellent signing for the club."

Boss Tony Pulis added: "I am delighted to have signed a player like Michael. I have been a long-time admirer of him and he will bring a lot to our squad. He can play in a number of positions, which is important, and he will add some balance to the squad."