Stoke look set to trim their large squad by two more for 2010/11 as defenders Ryan Shotton and Ibrahima Sonko were today linked with season long loan moves.
Shotton has been linked with a return to Championship side Barnsley, with Tykes manager Mark Robins reportedly keen to bring back a player who spent last season at Oakwell.
Shotton seems certain to remain with the Potters through pre-season as City boss Tony Pulis is keen to have a good look at how he is progressing before deciding the versatile Fenton-born defenders next move.
Sonko has also been linked with a Championship side, with Portsmouth keen to take the Senegal international on a loan for 2010/11.
Pompey, now led by ex-Potters manager Steve Cotterill, will be hoping to bring flop Sonko to Fratton Park and City will probably be hoping for the same, with the £2m defender out of contract at the end of next season.
Sonko has never impressed in a Potters shirt and spent last season out on loan at Premier League Hull, but was dropped for two thirds of the season after several inept performances for the eventually relegated Tigers.