Championship leaders Stoke have confirmed the deadline-day capture of Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi on loan until the end of the season.The Potters have been in talks with Ameobi all day and narrowly beat the 5pm deadline for loan deals to land the 26-year-old in time for Saturday's trip to Sheffield Wednesday.

Ameobi has made 135 stars and 95 substitute appearances for Newcastle, scoring 46 goals, but has played only twice since Kevin Keegan returned to the club.

Ipswich and Norwich were also in the hunt for the former England Under-21 international but City chairman Peter Coates met the Magpies' six-figure fee asking price to wrap up the deal.

Pulis said of his last-gasp activity: "We have been working round the clock to get something done.

"It's never easy dealing with players, agents, managers and what have you, but we're doing our best to get something done.

"We've been looking at all areas of the field because of the threat of injuries and suspensions disrupting things at a critical time of the season.

"It's not a case of replacing what we have, but adding to it, because what the players have achieved so far speaks for itself. But you can't rest on any laurels in this game and we're all trying to give it our best shot."

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