Pulis Soares to make second swoop

Tony Pulis is set to complete his second deadline day signing after Crystal Palace agreed a fee with Stoke for midfielder Tom Soares.

The Potters boss has virtually wrapped up a deal which will see former defender Danny Higginbotham make a return to the Britannia Stadium following a 12-month stint in the North-East at Sunderland, who he joined last summer.

However, having failed with a £5million raid on Cardiff for Joe Ledley, Pulis has quickly switched his attentions to 22-year-old England Under-21 international Soares.

The player appeared to be an influential member of Neil Warnock's squad at Selhurst Park having played all five league and Carling Cup games this term. However Soares, who can play in central midfield and on the wing looks like being offloaded to the Potters for around £1.5million ahead of the deadline.