Potters pounce for midfield pair

Soares and Tonge head to the Britannia Stadium

Last updated: 2nd September 2008

tonge michael sheffield united

Tonge: Joined Stoke

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Stoke City have finalised a double swoop on the Championship for midfield duo Tom Soares and Michael Tonge.

Soares has arrived at the Britannia Stadium from Crystal Palace and Tonge has joined the Premier League new boys from Sheffield United.

An undisclosed fee has been paid for both players, with Soares having spent Monday evening tying up his switch to Stoke.

The 22-year-old had spent his entire career with Palace and had made over 160 appearances for the club.

He had started all four games in the Championship so far this season, but now has the chance to test himself at Premier League level.

Tonge has top-flight experience from the 2006/07 campaign and has brought to an end an eight-year spell at Bramall Lane.

The midfielder has made over 300 appearances for the Blades, but will add a touch of flair to Tony Pulis' midfield for the Potters.

Prem To Stay Up 2008/09 To Stay Up: Stoke 2/1