On the way in is Hungarian International goalkeeper Marton Fulop from Sunderland. 24-year old Fulop has left The Stadium of Light to try and get first team football in order to keep his place in the Hungary squad. The excellent shot stopper has previously played for Spurs, Coventry and, earlier this season, Leicester. He made such an impression at The Walkers Stadium that Ian Holloway offered around £1 million for his permanent signature, which was rejected by Roy Keane.
Meanwhile departing the Britannia Stadium is former WBA stopper Russell Hoult, who has joined struggling Notts County on loan. Hoult joined the Potters last January, initially on loan, and then signed permanently in the summer. Hoult, who had a very good reputation from his time at the Hawthorns, has made only 2 appearances in a Stoke shirt, away at Rochdale in the cup (lost on penalties) and away at Plymouth where he earned a red card.
In truth this seems like a good move. Fulop is 11 years younger than Hoult and is very highly rated. Making the move permanent would cost a good deal of money, but would be seen as a sound investment. Steve Simonsen has never really seemed to be pushed for his starting place by Hoult, and this move could just hot up competition for the goalkeeping jersey, which in turn can only be good for the team and the promotion run in.