Stoke City are closing in on a £3.8m signing of Braga midfielder Djibril Soumare, according to reports. The Senegal international, who spent last term on loan with Championship rivals Sheffield United, was on the radar of Ligue 1 trio Lille, Toulouse and Strasbourg. But the fresh report has suggested Stoke have secured an agreement for Soumare's service. The left-footed midfielder is expected to pen a three-year deal at the bet365 Stadium, bringing an end to a five-year stay affiliation with Braga. During his season-long loan at Bramall Lane, Soumare registered 25 league outings for Chris Wilder's side, which included outings in both of Sheffield United's triumphs over Pompey last term. The move is expected to bolster Stoke's engine room ahead of the new season. The Potters have already secured the future of Marlon Pack, who extended his stay for a further 12 months in May, while the Blues also offered new deals to Connor Ogilvie and Zak Swanson. In terms of incomings, 11 names have so far been linked with a move to PO4 ahead of the window, with Stockport County winger Jack Diamond the latest. While transfer gossip heats up at Fratton Park, rumours and speculation are doing the rounds across the division as planning continues ahead of a busy summer.