Stoke ready to unleash deadline-day signings

Mark Hughes experienced a frustrating summer transfer window but after finally landing two big-name acquisitions on deadline day, the Stoke City manager is enthused about the season ahead.

Hughes is convinced Stoke can get the very best out of new boys Wilfried Bony and Bruno Martins Indi.

Martins Indi joined from FC Porto on a season-long loan, while Bony moved from Premier League rivals Manchester City – both will be hoping to make an instant impression.

The pair arrived in the Potteries, along with goalkeeper Lee Grant following the news Jack Butland faces up to three months on the sidelines.

(VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

Hughes said: “They look fit and well, they’ve trained really well this week they are very much in my thoughts.

“They know what they can offer and we know what they can offer to us and players of their standard should be playing.

“That’s certainly the case with Wilfried and Bruno because they want to play and they’re top, quality players in their own right.

“We’ll give them an opportunity, if they stay fit and are playing well then they will have more chances here.”