Stoke City will not be spending big in January as they look to get out of the relegation trouble they find themselves in.

Nathan Jones' side couldn't build on successive victories against Sheffield Wednesday last night, with the Potters going down by a single goal at Hillsborough.

The result leaves the Staffordshire outfit 23rd in the table and two points from safety and that could get worse tonight when the rest of the Championship fixtures are played.

Therefore, many see January as a crucial month for the manager as he looks to make the necessary additions, however Stoke-On-Trent Live revealed that the supporters shouldn't expect serious funds to be splashed out on new players - with a left-back the priority.

"It’s pretty clear there has been a policy change and there won’t - there can’t - be any deals which break the bank, or more pertinently, break Financial Fair Play.

"So new head of recruitment Phil Chapple is tasked with finding a brilliant bargain left-back who can defend, attack, is full of energy, has a career on the up and in good form."

Stoke are back in action when they make the trip to Millwall this weekend to face former boss Gary Rowett.

The verdict

This isn't ideal for Stoke as it's clear that they need new faces in during the window but they are going to have to search for bargains.

Having said that, most fans recognise that the club have spent big in the past 18 months and they know that FFP is a real concern.

As well as that, they have a large squad, so they can free up extra funds by shipping out some of those who aren't needed.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.