by Martin Spinks
martin.spinks@thesentinel.co.uk
STOKE were today poised to sign Wigan striker Henri Camara on loan until the end of the season after landing the Senegal international at the second attempt.

And defender Andrew Davies looks like heading out of the Britannia Stadium to join Norwich on loan until the end of the current campaign.

Both transfers were close to being sealed at the start of a potentially dramatic day’s dealing at the Britannia before the transfer window closes at 5pm.

City boss Tony Pulis is also keen to land an experienced central defender and a midfielder to strengthen Stoke’s chances of beating the drop.

Pulis tried – and narrowly failed – to capture Camara in the dying hours of the previous transfer window in early September.

But now he is set to take the 31-year-old to add yet further options to a forward line headed by fellow January newcomer James Beattie.

Camara first arrived in this country from France when signing for Wolves in 2003 and has since appeared for Celtic, Southampton, West Ham (all loan) and Wigan since a £3m move to the JJB Stadium in August 2005.

He has netted 23 goals in 46 Premier League starts and a further 23 sub appearances for Wigan, including two in 17 this term.

Camara will offer greater variety to Stoke’s attacking options and, at five foot 10 inches, will cut a more diminutive figure alongside his new colleagues.

Davies heads for Norwich after just two substitute appearances in the Premier League following an on-going struggle for fitness since arriving from Southampton in a £2m deal in August.

Pulis will assess his form and fitness in the summer after the chance of a prolonged run in the Championship.