Premier League new boys Stoke City have clinched the signing of three players to aid them in the battle to stay in the top flight. It was a busy day at the Britannia Stadium on the last day of the transfer window, as Manager Tony Pulis added Tom Soares, Danny Higginbottom and Michael Tonge to the squad.

The 22 year Soares has been a highly rated youngster for several years and after a number of clubs considered him, Stoke have decided to give the Under 21 England international an opportunity to forge a career at the highest level. He leaves Crystal Palace having made 160 appearances for the club. He has signed for an undisclosed fee.

Tonge has joined Stoke for a reported fee of £2 Million. The 25 year old midfielder is an astute signing by Tony Pulis, as the player will surely relish the opportunity to play in the Premier League again after experiencing relegation with Sheffield United in the 2006/07 season. He leaves United having played over 250 games and scoring 21 goals.

Finally Danny Higginbottom rejoins Stoke having played for the club for one season in 2006. The Sunderland defender has signed a three year contract for an undisclosed fee rumoured to be around £2 Million.

All three players should provide the necessary squad depth that the Potters will need to increase the options available to Pulis as the season progresses.