Stoke City will hope they are finally turning the corner after a very slow start to life back in the Championship.

A narrow victory against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday made it three wins in five games for Gary Rowett’s men and they will need to keep up that form if they’re to push on into the play-offs.

Despite that, the Potters remain unconvincing, although few would argue that they have the squad on paper to go on a really strong run.

As well as that, Rowett is sure to be backed in January, with the owners keen on securing an instant return to the Premier League.

They backed the former Derby boss in the summer, with some big-money signings arriving and they surely will again after a poor start to the campaign highlighted where the team is lacking.

Here we look at TWO players that could really transform this side and take them to the next level…

The Staffordshire side have been poor defensively this season and Erik Pieters has been a regular in that struggling back four.

Whilst there have been worse than him in the back four, he doesn’t really have serious competition for his place and Rowett will think there are upgrades out there.

One would be Targett, who is out of favour at Southampton and will surely be desperate to play regularly at this stage of his career.

He is proven in the Championship following a successful loan to Fulham and would bring much more to the side, particularly going forward, than Pieters.

Another area Stoke have struggled is up top, with Benik Afobe not convincing.

In fairness, he relies on service and there is a lack of creativity from midfield at times too, however, Rowett will surely be looking for a new number nine in January.

And, he should be monitoring Rangers forward Morelos.

Whether he is a realistic target for Stoke is debatable, but he would add a lot with his pace, movement and aggression that makes him a constant threat.

Money talks and the Glasgow giants may be forced to sell if a big bid comes in, whilst the Colombia international may see this as a great chance to be playing in the Premier League by August.