Stoke City had a very disappointing season as they finished 14th in the Championship.

A play-off push had been expected by Michael O'Neill's men but despite threatening on a few occasions, they couldn't really sustain any sort of a run to put themselves in the mix.

The former Northern Ireland boss could rightly point to injuries that robbed him of key players at crucial times but it still wasn't good enough.

However, attention will have already turned to next season and O'Neill will be desperate to strengthen his squad. Yet, the financial situation at the Bet365 Stadium means he won't be backed with significant funds in the market, so identifying free agents may be the way to go.

With that in mind, here we look at EIGHT players who are set to be out of contract in the coming weeks that could potentially enhance the Stoke squad for the 22/23 campaign...

This would be a slightly ambitious one as there will be plenty of interest in Lenihan, who has been a sound performer for Blackburn over the years.

He would be able to slot in easily to the Stoke defence and whilst O'Neill has decent options at the back, the Irishman is an upgrade on what the club have right now. This summer should be about adding quality over quantity and Lenihan would be an ideal addition to make an instant impact.

The decision to let Tommy Smith leave the club means that a right-back is going to be on the radar of the Potters this summer and Fredericks would be a superb signing.

His time at West Ham is coming to an end and whilst he is likely to command a decent wage, he would improve the team a lot. Anyone who remembers the attack-minded defender from his time at Fulham knows he is excellent at this level and he would be a reliable player for Stoke.

Left-back isn't as pressing an issue for Stoke but when a good player comes on the market you should always look to strengthen and Pederson is just that.

He has been a strong performer for Birmingham over the years and he could even slot in on the left of a back three if needed, and that versatility could appeal. Pedersen is another who won't take time to settle and could come in to make his mark straight away.

It was a tough season for Reading but one player who enhanced his reputation was Laurent. The former Shrewsbury man is all-action, capable of winning the ball back, progressing play and he has chipped in with a few goals.

So, to get a player like that on a free is a potential bargain and he would certainly add to the Stoke squad. Again, at 27, he is a player entering his peak years and could help a promotion push next season.

This would no doubt be an ambitious move but Swift has been linked with a move to West Brom, so perhaps Stoke would have a chance.

Ultimately, whoever lands the Reading playmaker would be getting a top class player at this level, with his numbers over the years comparing very well to anyone. Stoke need more goals next season and Swift would help on that front both with his goals and the chances he would create for others.

This would be more of a punt from O'Neill as Charles-Cook didn't impress in the lower leagues earlier in his career, but he seems to have matured now after a fine campaign with Ross County that has seen him top the scoring charts in the Scottish Premiership.

Bringing pace and a direct threat, he can occupy different roles in the final third and will be desperate to prove himself, so this could be a low-risk move that pays off.

Another bold move, Lawrence has shone for Derby in recent years and is going to be a man in demand over the next few weeks.

If Premier League interest does result in contract offers to the Welshman then Stoke may not have a chance but if not, they need to be ready to pounce. Lawrence would bring creativity and goals to the team and with Nick Powell having suffered with injuries, they wouldn't need to be so reliant on the former Crewe player.

Finally, Stoke could do with another striker and Carroll's performances for West Brom over the past few months should have convinced clubs that he can do a job next season.

Whilst he may not be the most prolific, he can lead the line very well and would help the likes of Jacob Brown and others in the final third with how he brings them into play. Plus, his aerial threat in both boxes makes him very useful in a tough league like the Championship.