Nathan Jones has recently emerged as the favourite to succeed Gary Rowett as manager of Stoke City, with a deal expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours according to reputable journalist, John Percy. 

The Luton boss has led his side up to second in the League One table but he is seemingly tempted by the prospect of managing in the Premier League in the future.

He'll have a tough job on his hands this season, as he would be taking charge of a Stoke side that are struggling in their bid to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

The Potters are currently sat 14th in the Championship table, and are in deep trouble of fading away from the promotion chasing pack this season.

If Jones is appointed as Stoke's new boss, he'll be sure to assess the current playing squad, and will be wanting to shift out any 'deadwood' in this transfer window.

But who should Jones be looking to axe this month if he arrives?

Find out below....

Charlie Adam

The 33-year-old has been limited to just three substitute appearances this season, and has already been linked with a move away from Stoke with Dundee emerging as one of the frontrunners to strike a deal for the midfielder.

It's unlikely that he'll be able to get a place in the starting XI over the likes of Ryan Woods and Sam Clucas, so Nathan Jones should certainly be looking to get Adam off the wage bill at the earliest opportunity.

Ibrahim Afellay

What has happened to Afellay?

Since the 2016/2017 season, he has made just four starts in total, and is yet to feature for Stoke this season in the Championship.

If Jones is to be appointed as manager, then Afellay should be one of the first players that he looks to move on this season.

Adam Federici

Federici has only made one start this season for Stoke, and he has only made 20 appearances since leaving Reading at the end of the 2014/2015 season.

He evidently isn't first choice goalkeeper with Stoke, and isn't likely to dislodge Jack Butland anytime soon.

The Potters have Jakob Haugaard available as their back up choice and Federici will surely be wanting to move away from Stoke in the near future after his lack of game time.