A new era is upon Stoke City with Gary Rowett taking the reigns ahead of their Championship campaign.

Their ultimate goal will be to win promotion at the first time of asking and in order to achieve this, a strong transfer window is needed.

Many Stoke players have been linked with exits and Ramadan Sobhi has already departed, joining Premier League side Huddersfield Town on a permanent deal.

Many more like Xherdan Shaqiri, Jack Butland, Badou Ndiaye and Joe Allen could exit the bet365 Stadium before the start of next season.

But plenty are expected to come in as well because Stoke will have the parachute payments to splash on new signings, as well as any many received from transfer fees.

The Potters have already been busy, snapping up Oghenekaro Etebo and Benik Afobe to bolster their squad.

But Stoke should also look at shifting these two players and signing another two to continue their busy summer.

Afellay arrived at Stoke in 2015 with high expectations that he could reach the heights he once showed at Barcelona but it was not to be.

The 32-year-old winger is likely to have suitors abroad and will not be keen on playing Championship football.

Stoke need to solidify their defence and Rowett could eye a reunion with Derby County skipper Davies.

The 33-year-old has vast experience at Championship level and would definitely improve Rowett's options at centre-half.

Imbula is another player who has fallen below the standards expected at Stoke.

The powerful 25-year-old midfielder has previously played for Marseille and FC Porto and spent last season on loan at Toulouse so he is likely to have teams ready to swoop.

West Ham are unlikely to use Snodgrass next season, especially if they sign a new winger as expected.

But the 30-year-old Scotland international's experience in the second tier would be invaluable and last season's tally of seven goals and 14 assists for Aston Villa on loan shows how dangerous he can be in the Championship.