This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more

Stoke City are interested in signing Bristol City midfielder Jamie Paterson this summer, according to Football Insider.

Paterson is sidelined for the remainder of the campaign through injury, having made only 20 appearances in the Championship this season.

The 29-year-old has scored three goals and chipped in with two assists in the league, but his future at Ashton Gate is up in the air with his contract up in the summer.

According to Football Insider, Stoke, as well as Nottingham Forest, Millwall and Birmingham are all interested in signing the attacking midfielder on a free this summer.

Here, we discuss the Potters' reported interest in the playmaker...

Ben Wignall

Providing he can stay fit, I think Paterson would be a useful addition to Stoke's ranks next season - although it's hard to see him in the same team as Nick Powell.

Both are very similar players and in a 3-5-2 formation that Michael O'Neill seems to like, there may only be room for one of them in the number 10 role and Powell is the better player.

Interestingly though the man who seemed to be getting the best out of Paterson in a central role earlier this season - Dean Holden - is now assistant to O'Neill at Stoke and he may be able to get a tune out of the 29-year-old again should he be signed.

Considering he'd be a free transfer, Paterson would be a risk-free signing should his wages not be too much and if I was Stoke he would definitely be on my shortlist.

George Dagless

Potentially.

He's a good player at Championship level and is one of those players that you can see having a number of clubs interested in him given the experience he has got at this level and the low cost involved.

Clearly, we're heading for a summer window where free agents are going to be in demand, and in abundance, more than usual and so I think we'll see plenty of deals like this going through as clubs look to keep finances in check more than ever before and spend within their means.

He's got lots to offer Stoke City and I think he is the sort of Championship-level player with a point to prove that could do well under Michael O'Neill as he continues to reshape the Potters' side.

Toby Wilding

This could be a useful signing for Stoke if they are able to get it done.

Paterson has plenty of Championship experience from over the years, so he could be a reliable option to add to the Potters' squad for next season, since they know he can do a job at this level.

Indeed, the creativity that Paterson possesses could be useful for Michael O'Neill's side going forward, something that quality finishers such as Steven Fletcher and Tyrese Campbell could relish working with when fit.

The fact his contract is expiring this summer means Paterson should be affordable as well, while Stoke may not want to risk being beaten to this deal by one of those other Championship clubs that are supposedly interested here, since that could come back to haunt them if it happens.