Besides the rumours on the message board and Sky Sports News, UTS had already heard from one of our usually reliable sources that we are in the process of bringing in former loanee Kevin Harper on loan and the story has now been confirmed by the Stoke Official website.

The tricky little ex Derby, Pompey and Stoke man was one of our more successful loan signings in recent years, impressing with a series of appearances in what is now the Championship. He was so impressive that his loan was curtailed when Portsmouth made a successful £300,000 bid for the player, who was an integral part of their Championship winning team, scoring one of the goals at Bescot in their 2 - 1 win. he spent much of that season playing at left wing back, in fact, showing an ability to play down either flank, although he made his name as a right winger.

Since signing for Stoke, he has had problems with injuries, which meant he could not break into the side and was sent out on loan to Carlisle last year.

At this level, he will be an extremely welcome addition to the squad.