Despite being the pre-season title favourites, Stoke City finished 16th in the Championship last season and manager Nathan Jones will be looking to strengthen his squad in the transfer market this summer.

Jones will be looking to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited from Gary Rowett in January and faces the challenge of turning a team that finished mid-table last season into promotion contenders.

Several players have already been linked with a move to Stoke this summer.

Here is a round-up of the latest transfer rumours involving Stoke City...

Mathew Pennington

The Stoke Sentinel are reporting that Stoke are interested in signing Everton defender Mathew Pennington.

The 24-year-old impressed in the Championship last season while on loan at Ipswich Town and has attracted interest from a host of clubs, including Derby County and Wigan Athletic.

The centre-back signed a new three-year deal at Everton last summer, but the Toffees are keeping the door open for him to leave so he can experience regular first-team football.

This latest report states that Stoke are leading the chase to sign him though, with Jones keen to bolster his defensive options this summer.

Phil Jagielka

The Daily Mail claim that Stoke are interested in signing the experienced defender Phil Jagielka.

The centre-back is now a free agent following his release by Everton, after twelve years at Goodison Park.

The report claims that Stoke are interested in signing the former England international, as are Premier League newcomers Sheffield United.

Matt Clarke

The Stoke Sentinel reported last month that Stoke are interested in signing Portsmouth defender Matt Clarke.

The 22-year-old was an important player for Pompey last season, as Kenny Jackett's side reach the League One play-off semi-finals.

He is expected to leave Portsmouth after the play-off defeat to Sunderland, but the Portsmouth News reported last month that Brighton are the favourites to sign him.