POTTERS ARE SEEING DOUBLE

STOKE City have had a major summer transfer breakthrough with the confirmation of a double swoop for Maksym Talovierov and Divin Mubama.

- Peter Smith

Centre-half Talovierov, aged 25, has signed for an undisclosed fee from Plymouth Argyle on a three-year contract while striker Mubama, aged 20, joins on a season-long loan from Manchester City. They add to the arrival of winger Sorba Thomas, aged 26.

The pair will join up with their new teammates today ahead of tomorrow's first preseason friendly - behind closed doors at Clayton Wood against Shrewsbury Town - and a six-day training camp in Spain that starts at the end of the week.

Sporting director Jon Walters said: "Bringing in a central defender of Maxi's calibre is clearly a crucial and integral piece of business for the club as we continue to build towards the new season.

"When you look at our two signings so far with Sorba Thomas as well, these are players with international pedigree who are capable of driving Stoke City forward for the long-term, and that was an important aspect of bringing them to the club.