Nathan Jones would have been aware of the size of the task that he was taking on when he replaced Gary Rowett as head coach of Stoke City.

Stoke should be performing much, much better in the Championship, but there is a squad packed full of talent if Jones can find a way to unleash it.

It is promising to be an interesting end to the January transfer window as Jones looks to put his own stamp on the club.

With that in mind, we have taken a look at three things that should be monitored at the Bet365 Stadium before the end of the winter window.

The future of Moritz Bauer

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in talks with Stoke over a possible deal for Moritz Bauer, according to Sky Sports.

Bauer moved to Stoke from Rubin Kazan last January and was a regular in the second half of the 2017-18 campaign.

Bauer was frozen out under Rowett, but Jones seems keen to keep him. It is one to watch between now and the end of the month.

Potential arrival of a new forward

There is no question that Jones should be looking to improve his strike force before the winter transfer window slams shut.

Benik Afobe has been in decent form this season, but Stoke are lacking a genuine goalscorer in the final third, which could cost them the chance to move up the Championship table over the next few months.

Saido Berahino and Peter Crouch just have not performed this term, but talented teenager Tyrese Campbell is one to watch in the final third of the field.

James McClean leaving for Nottingham Forest

According to Football Insider, new Nottingham Forest boss Martin O’Neill wants to bring James McClean to the City ground this month.

McClean has struggled to show his best form for Stoke this season and it would not be a surprise to see the Republic of Ireland international move on.

That said, Stoke would certainly need to replace the winger before the end of the month and that is easier said than done.