Stoke City have had a fairly rotten time of it in the Championship since being relegated from the Premier League last season. 

The Potters were made convincing pre-season favourites to not only win promotion but to win the second-tier title as well, but so far things have not gone to plan.

Gary Rowett was appointed in the summer and he went about reshaping the squad, backed heavily by the club's owners as well.

Nine new faces moved to the Bet365 stadium with nearly £40million being spent on the likes of Tom Ince, James McClean, Peter Etebo and Benik Afobe.

But even with all the proven Championship talent in their squad, the club remain slumped in mid-table and with just five wins in the entire season so far.

The January transfer window will offer some sweet relief and a chance for Rowett to strengthen his side even further.

Here, then, are three additions that could change the Potters' fortunes...

Whilst the likes of Joe Allen, Peter Etebo and Ryan Woods are all quality midfielders, neither suit the system Rowett employs which requires an attacking midfielder.

Sunderland's 22-year-old would be the perfect replacement with four goals and eight assists already he is born for that role.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season they could get him for a great price as well.

They would no doubt need to break the bank for this one, but Stoke desperately need a lethal striker.

Benik Afobe was meant to be that scorer, but with just four league goals so far he has failed to live up to that role.

Lord knows Saido Berahino and Peter Crouch are never going to be that person so bringing in the 13 goal Frenchman would instantly solve that problem.

If the board are not willing to part with the funds necessary for Maupay than Maja would be just as good a bet.

The 19-year-old has already scored 11 league goals this season for Sunderland and is one of the Football League's hottest properties.

He already looks ready to make the step up and with his contract also set to expire in the summer could be available for a fraction of his worth.