Barnsley bring in Premier League duo in loan swoop

BARNSLEY are set to sign former Sheffield United midfielder Michael Tonge on loan from Stoke City until the end of the season.

The Tykes have also lined up a deal for Norwich City midfielder Korey Smith and both players will put pen to paper at Oakwell tomorrow.

Manager Keith Hill is moving into the transfer market after losing Danny Drinkwater to Leicester City and Jacob Butterfield to a knee injury.

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Tonge, now 28, joined Stoke three years ago in a £2m deal but has started only one league game for the Potters and been out on loan at Preston North End and Derby County.

The midfielder has not played any first-team football for over 12 months and still has another season on his contract at the Britannia Stadium.

Smith, meanwhile, is a product of Norwich’s youth academy who was thrust into the spotlight two years ago during the club’s promotion to the Championship.

Still only 20, he has now fallen down the pecking order at Carrow Road and made only appearance this season in the Carling Cup.

He has been used as both an attacking midfielder and a right-back due to his industry on the ball and quick feet.