After relegation from the Premier League last season, Stoke City were expected to mount a title challenge this year, but find themselves midtable at the halfway stage of the campaign.

Gary Rowett’s side are 11th in the table at present are five points off the play-offs.

At present, there is no risk of them dropping down into a relegation battle, but more was expected from the former ten-year veterans of the top flight.

With the position Stoke currently find themselves in, recruits will be necessary in the new year to improve on their current position and better their performances and results.

In doing that, Rowett’s team could well push for a place in the play-offs.

When players come in, however, it is inevitable that others shall leave to make space for the new arrivals.

With that said, here are four deals at the Bet 365 Stadium we can see happening for Stoke City in 2019.

The former Scotland international has admitted he doesn’t know if he will still be at the club in the new year or not.

Having only started four league games since the club’s relegation last season, first-team opportunities have been hard to come by.

First-team football is important for a player who is 34-years-old like Darren Fletcher is.

And a move away to secure that could well be on the cards in January.

The former Scotland international has only three substitute appearances to his name this season – totalling just 55 minutes.

That could be telling when it comes to the new year and players come and go.

Charlie Adam could well be one to go to make room for a player that will improve the squad.

Gary Rowett prefers his side without the 33-year-old, and that could potentially see him exit the Potteries in January.

Stoke City are a side that lack dynamism and power in attack.

They are very methodical and calculated in their approach, but to have a player who can break through the lines and attack with pace and precision would be handy to have at the Bet 365 Stadium.

In Marcus Browne, they would have that if indeed he joins from West Ham on loan.

Gary Rowett’s side lacks excitement and the 21-year-old could be the perfect player to bring that to the team.

The 25-year-old’s contract expires in the summer and after an impressive showing in the Championship since Rotherham’s promotion last season, he could well be attracting interested.

Stoke City have are short of midfield talent and could do with bolstering that area of the pitch to add more competition and creativity in there.

And if Darren Fletcher leaves, there will be an even more urgent need to bring in another player to replace him.