Stoke City have still not really got their season underway in terms of what they were expected to do.

Gary Rowett’s men had a terrible start to the season, although back-to-back wins prior to the international break had Potters fans hoping they were ready to ‘kick-start’ their season.

However, a loss to Garry Monk’s Birmingham followed by a draw at Sheffield United is not good enough, although the draw at Bramall Lane will feel like a good result noting the fact they came from behind.

But, Stoke are running out of excuses and the ‘they will turn good soon’ lines are getting old.

Rowett watched from the stands on Tuesday night, and he must have been thinking that January cannot come quick enough, as some players didn’t look good up to it.

Stoke haven’t been good enough at the back and really miss a midfielder who can drive forward from deep: Berahino has been playing in the number 10 role but not to great effect.

Here, we look at THREE players Rowett surely has his eye on ahead of the transfer window…

Bradley Dack could be the aforementioned midfielder to turn defences into attacks with seeming ease.

The Blackburn star has been winning national plaudits for his performances so far this season, and a big club will soon come knocking – Stoke will want to be that club.

Dack will bring something new to Rowett’s side and he should be all over a potential deal.

Eliaquim Mangala is still at Manchester City, however he has not even made the substitutes bench this season, which means he is ‘gettable’ technically, but his wages may be a big ask for a club like Stoke.

Despite this, if Mangala is willing to take a pay cut, Stoke would be a good destination.

He has been a terrible defender for City, however he is evidently a talented player and to be fair to him, when he has had a run of games in the side, he has looked good. Taking a step down in terms of division could be beneficial to Mangala.

Benik Afobe hasn’t been amazing, but the problem at Stoke is not scoring goals, it is defending.

Bruno Martins Indi has been good, but Ashley Williams has looked poor at Stoke. Phil Jagielka could be the man to solidify that defence.

The Everton defender is out of favour in Marco Silva’s side, and could look to step down a division in search for regular minutes to end his career.