Stoke City haven't had the sort of start they expected this season, they were many pundits' pre-season favourites but in the early league table they sit in the bottom two.

Nothing is decided after two games and to condemn a side who have lost to Bielsa's Leeds and drawn with ambitious Brentford would be pure folly at this stage, but having come from the top table, fans in Stoke won't have expected such a tough ride.

Their recruitment started well with Benik Aofbe and James McClean, but there's still holes in the squad that they should be looking to fill.

They've conceded four in two games, so there's clearly a need for something different at the back.

Whilst Afobe had scored twice, they also look a little tired up front and maybe need a new face in that area too.

Here are three players FLW believe Stoke City should sign this week, if possible. 

Ward is being eyed by West Brom, but his experience could be the key to stopping the apparent flood of goals Stoke have conceded early this season.

The Crystal Palace man played 19 times in the Premier League last season, turning out 160 times in total for them in the top flight. He would offer a big boost to the beleaguered defence currently under-performing in front of Jack Butland's goal.

Edwards would represent a gamble, his loan move to Norwich last season turned sour, but there's a talented boy in there just waiting to burst out and make an impact somewhere.

Why not Stoke? Surely, Edwards knows his time as a hot talent is coming to an end and he needs to deliver. It might be Rowett's side that finally benefit from his obvious potential.

While he has Pochettino on the phone, Rowett ought to see if he can't secure a temporary deal for Carter-Vickers too.

He's a defender which would fit the bill perfectly and he's got Championship experience from last season's spells with Ipswich and Sheffield United.

He would certainly add some competition to the pairing of Shawcross and Martins Indi, adding pace too.