Struggling Stoke City are looking to make a move for a new central defender this week, with the Potters identifying Barnsley man Liam Lindsay and Portsmouth's Matthew Clarke as potential signings.

According to Alan Nixon, new Potters manager Nathan Jones is keen on signing a new central defender, and could look to one of the impressive League One duo as he looks to solve his conundrum.

Stoke have struggled massively this season since dropping into the Championship following relegation from the top flight last term, and things haven't picked up as yet under new manager Jones, with a 2-0 defeat to Preston yesterday adding further misery to their campaign.

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Both Lindsay and Clarke have played vital roles for their respective teams this term as both the Tykes and Pompey sit near the top of the League One table.

However, with such form will come interest from above, and Stoke are keen to make their move for a new defender as they look to have a better second half of the season under their new manager.

New gaffer Jones will be keen to bring in his own players between now and the end of the January window as he looks to put his marker down on a club which has underachieved this term to say the very least.

The Verdict

Both these players are quality young defenders down in League One and would have no issue in stepping up to the Championship.

Jones will know them well from his spell in the lower leagues with Luton Town too, and if he has the backing, he won't hesitate to spend the cash on some third tier talent.