This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill is looking to further stamp his mark on his Potters side by looking to sign Bournemouth defender Jack Simpson on a temporary loan, according to a report by Sky Sports.

Simpson has fallen out of favour in Eddie Howe's side this season making only six appearances so far this campaign, though the Cherries are still yet to decide whether to allow the centre-back to leave on loan this month.

So would Simpson be a good addition at the bet365 Stadium, is he needed and would he get into the Potters starting XI?

We discuss.........

Chris Gallagher

"I don't see why Stoke need another centre-back, so this would be a pointless signing.

"Danny Batth and Liam Lindsay were outstanding on Monday night and that has to be a partnership that O'Neill gives more chances too moving forward.

"With Ryan Shawcross, Bruno Martins-Indi and Nathan Collins as alternatives, bringing in Simpson makes no sense. He's not a definite upgrade on any of those players and Stoke would need a loan signing to make an instant impact.

"They certainly need new players before the deadline but centre-back is probably the one area of the pitch where they are well-stocked. It would be a major surprise if this deal went through and it would seem like a waste."

Time to test your Stoke City knowledge with our quiz? Come on have a go now!

Luke Phelps

“Jack Simpson is in his third season at Bournemouth and in those three seasons, he’s played just 10 times in the Premier League. He’s been warming the bench down at Bournemouth this season and with January upon us, he’ll surely have a point to prove to Eddie Howe.

“At 23-years-old he’s at a crossroads in his career - he needs to decide if he wants to stick around at Bournemouth and try and break into the team, or if he wants to try his luck elsewhere - Stoke could be the perfect fit for the full-back.

“A loan-move to Stoke would provide a real test of Simpson’s mettle. Michael O’Neill’s side battling hard against relegation and heading into the business end of the season - it’d be tough for Simpson to come in now but if he does, and he proves a success, it’ll give Howe a lot to think about come next season.

“Players and extra numbers are always needed at this stage of the season, and defenders with Premier League experience is a coo at Championship level. Albeit not a lot of Premier League experience, but Simpson has been working under a quality manager for three seasons and will have a lot to offer and prove at Stoke.”

George Harbey

"I think that Simpson is a real talent and who has already earned experience of what it's like to play in the Premier League, and he good be a useful addition for the Potters.

"Stoke have conceded far too many goals this season, and even experienced players like Danny Batth, Bruno Martins Indi, and more recently, Ryan Shawcross, have been unable to prevent them from leaking goals.

"Liam Lindsay is definitely starting to improve under Michael O'Neill, but they still need young, fresh competition in defence in order to get the best out of each other and start picking up results on a regular basis.

"Simpson is young, strong and athletic and at the age of 23, he will be eager to really kick on now and prove to Eddie Howe that he is able to play at the highest level for the Cherries."