Stoke City were amongst the pre-season favourites for a swift Premier League return, but life in the Championship has not proven to be as straightforward as they might have hoped.

One or two of their summer captures have been underwhelming, Sam Clucas has hardly played through injury and James McClean has done little to justify his price tag.

A failure to improve their form will see the Potters out of the play-off race very early into 2019 if they're not careful. They need boosting in the transfer window, they need a fresh impetus of players with creativity and flair, as well as a centre half to help stop the goals.

If Jack Butland moves on, they might even need a keeper as well.

It'll be a busy January for Gary Rowett, but to help him out a little here's THREE players we think are well within his reach and could make a big difference for him...

Burnley have a host of top quality keepers and look likely to offload Tom Heaton soon. If Jack Butland does move upwards, Stoke have to make Heaton a priority.

Nick Pope has emerged as the main man at Turf Moor, but Heaton had broken into the England set up during the 2016/17 season.

He'd be the perfect replacement for Butland and at 32, he would bring experience as well as quality.

A transfer can be an indication of ambition and if Stoke were to move for Che Adams, they'd be signalling a real intention of promotion.

Adams has been in sparkling form for Birmingham recently, but Stoke have lined up a big-money bid.

Capture him and they make a real statement, not only that but they finally provide much needed support for Benik Afobe.

The Newcastle centre back could be on the move this January and if he is, Stoke need to get involved in the hunt.

They need some legs at the back, energy and endeavour to add to the wily old campaigners of Ashley Williams and Ryan Shawcross.

29-year-old Clark is no youngster, but he would certainly bring a new element to the back four, as well as offering versatility.