Stoke City fans are feeling optimistic ahead of the new season as new manager Gary Rowett has been active in the transfer window.

Stoke are armed with a sizeable war-chest given their parachute payments and the expected sales of some star players.

These could include Wolves target Badou Ndiaye in a £22m deal or Liverpool target Xherdan Shaqiri, who has a £12m release clause.

But Rowett will be hoping to fend off interest for a number of other first-team players as he looks to have as strong a squad as possible for the promotion challenge.

Former Derby County boss Rowett has used two different formations during his time with the Rams and he might choose to use a 3-5-2 as it suits his players well.

With a number of talented players at his disposal, this is the XI that Rowett could deploy next season at the bet365 Stadium to take his team back up to the Premier League.

Stoke are under no pressure to sell Butland unless a Premier League club comes calling or he expresses a desire to leave.

In an ideal world, Stoke keep the 25-year-old and they'd have the best goalkeeper in the league by a mile.

Stoke have been linked with a move for Aston Villa star Chester as they aim to take advantage of the Villans' financial crisis as they are forced to sell.

The 29-year-old has proven his worth as one of the best defenders in the Championship.

Stoke are a much better unit when Shawcross is present at the back and keeping him will be vital to their success.

The 30-year-old is no-nonsense, experienced and a leader in defence to take Stoke back to the Premier League.

If Stoke can keep Martins Indi, then their back three is looking very solid.

The 26-year-old Netherlands international is a solid, physical centre-half who would surely keep most Championship strikers quiet.

Stoke have recently been linked with 22-year-old Bournemouth winger Ibe, who could also be deployed as an attack-minded wing-back.

While Moritz Bauer is another decent option at right-wing-back, Ibe is a very talented and exciting young player who would be a top performer in the second tier.

Allen recently ignored Premier League interest to pen a new long-term Stoke deal.

The Wales international is a ball-playing midfielder who is surely among the best in the Championship.

Nigeria international Etebo has been exciting Stoke fans, especially after starring for his country in the World Cup.

The 22-year-old looks the complete package already and he would be a superb replacement for Ndiaye in midfield.

Pieters would be a very solid left-wing-back option in the Championship.

The Dutchman has plenty of experience and would provide both the defensive and attacking play needed.

If Rowett could convince Bojan to stay, the talented Spaniard could inspire the Potters back to the top flight.

The 27-year-old is still relatively young and a very exciting attacking talent, especially at Championship level.

Stoke want to snap up £10m Newcastle United striker Gayle, who would be a superb signing.

The 27-year-old provides guaranteed goals at this standard, having notched 23 league strikes in 2016/17.

New signing Afobe is an exciting striker to have in your ranks for any Championship club.

The 25-year-old will excel if he is given regular playing time to rediscover his confidence and goal scoring touch.