Stoke City have made Sam Cosgrove their top target as they look to bring in a new striker before Friday's transfer deadline.

The Potters continued their superb recent form by beating Swansea City 2-0 at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, a result that has left them seven points clear of the relegation zone.

However, despite that good run, Michael O'Neill is still seeking improvements and it appears that signing a new number nine is the priority.

That's after reporter Alan Nixon revealed that Aberdeen's Cosgrove is a target, although he stated that they will move on to Dundee United's Lawrence Shankland if a deal can't be reached for the Dons target man, who Stoke value at £2m.

Cosgove, 23, has been in fine form in the Scottish top-flight this season, weighing in with 11 goals from 17 appearances, whilst he is also a threat with his physicality and can lead the line on his own, which would suit O'Neill's formation.

Meanwhile, Shankland has excelled in the Scottish Championship, with his 23 goals in 20 games catching the eye of plenty of clubs both in England and north of the border.

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The verdict

Stoke's brilliant run in recent weeks means they will head into the final few days of the window not in desperate need to strengthen and credit must go to the manager for that.

But, that doesn't mean they should get complacent and it seems that O'Neill wants a new option up top.

And, Cosgrove would be the perfect fit for Stoke, as he seems to have the qualities that the boss wants in a striker and he importantly scores goals.

Similarly, Shankland would be a coup too and it will be interesting to see if they can pull one of these deals off.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.