John Rudge told his club's website: "Marlon's arrival is timely as defence is an area we need to bolster.
"Lewis might again have found it difficult to break into the first team this season as we have a number of left-sided options."
Neal's debut for Stoke was in 2000 and some fans may have hoped to see him finally break through to the first team, but it wasn't to be and he should have better luck and more first team action in Lancashire.
Broomes can play central defence and also as left back, which is a position that City may have struggled to fill due to the departure of Clive Clarke.