Potters second Royals raid

Stoke are believed to have agreed a fee with Reading as they bid to sign Royals defender Ibrahima Sonko.

It's understood that Tony Pulis is set to pay up £2.5million for the Senegal international defender, who has been strongly tipped to leave the Madejski Stadium before the transfer window closes.

Sonko was at the centre of controversy when refusing to play in a Reading reserve team game and was expected to be one of the first-team squad allowed to move on following the Royals relegation from the top flight.

The Potters have made no secret of the fact that they want to strengthen their defensive options and with Sunderland keen to keep Danny Higginbotham, it appears Pulis has now looked to Sonko.

The 27-year-old will become Stoke's second signing from Reading during this summer, following the capture of Dave Kitson for £5.5million.