Gary Rowett potentially needs loan reinforcements if he is going to give Stoke City the best chance of achieving an immediate return to the Premier League.

One attacking option to consider on loan is Southampton striker Shane Long who looks surplus to requirements at St Mary's.

The former Reading striker finds himself way down the pecking order at the south coast club, and there is a chance he could be shipped out on loan.

Should Rowett make a move for the 31-year-old hitman? Is it worth submitting a loan enquiry for him?

We discuss.....

Jay Taylor

Stoke need another striker.

Their options up front are quite light and having another option would be most welcome.

Long is out of favour at Southampton and will be looking for a Championship loan to get some regular playing time.

It would make sense for all involved to allow Long to leave on loan, and Stoke would be a pretty decent club to go to if he wants to have more regular involvement.

Gary Hutchinson

Long would make a sensible signing for Stoke, he’d be good alongside Benik Afobe, but there’s a danger of Stoke becoming a dumping ground for ex-Premier League stars on the way down.

James McClean has a lot to prove still and adding Long to the mix, a player without a decent scoring record, might make Stoke a surprise struggler in front of goal.

If they’re looking at other players too, I suspect they’ll find stronger options. Long, for me, just hasn’t proven himself to be deadly enough.

Sam Rourke

Definitely worth a loan bid.

Long looks like he's going to struggle to get frequent game-time at St Mary's now, and I do think a loan move away would be beneficial for him.

Long would be a perfect option off the bench or as an alternative to Benik Afobe.

George Dagless

It might be worth it.

Stoke have signed a lot of players so far but they haven't clicked and up front they could potentially do with another option.

Long is capable of stretching opposing defences and he's surely eager to play after some frustrating seasons.