Stoke City manager Nathan Jones is preparing his squad for an assault on the Championship next season, with a top-six finish the minimum the Potters faithful will demand from their side, after a disappointing campaign last season.

Jones is closing in on the next piece in his jigsaw with the club in advanced talks to sign QPR midfielder Jordan Cousins, who will become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the month, as per Football Insider.

But would Cousins be a regular starter for Stoke next season if he joined?

We discuss........

Kealan Hughes

"Stoke will have a new look midfield next season and Cousins will be a part of that along with Nick Powell.

"He provides great energy in midfield and his hard work is exactly what Stoke need and what Nathan Jones wants.

"If he can rediscover his form at Charlton then Stoke will have a brilliant player on their hands and he could be one of the first names on the team sheet, though a lot depends on how Stoke set-up next season."

Jacob Potter

"I’m not convinced he’ll start.

"Cousins would be a useful signing on a rotational basis for Nathan Jones’ side, but they have better options available to them in midfield.

"He’s not started regularly for QPR in recent months, so there’s not a chance he’ll be starting for the Potters next season.

"Surely his wages could be better spent in other areas of their squad?"

George Brooks

"Cousins is a good player and he's got plenty of experience in the EFL.

"I think he'd be a good signing for Stoke, although how much he would start depends on how they much they strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

"He's a good player and I would expect him to get a decent amount of game time.

"Even if he doesn't start every week, he's still an experienced midfielder and would be a good addition to Nathan Jones' squad."

Gary Hutchinson

“No, not at all.

“It’s an odd one for me. They have a great collection of central midfielders, too many if anything.

“Maybe Sam Clucas and Joe Allen are approaching the end of their Stoke shelf life, but Ryan Woods is class and will surely play.

“I can’t see Cousins being a regular there. It’s a worrying sign for me, they’re clearly not addressing the key issues at the club.”