Stoke City are targeting two new additions before the end of the transfer window, with both of those likely to be loan signings in defence and midfield, according to the Stoke Sentinel.

Michael O’Neill has already added to his squad with the arrival of Jordan Thompson from Blackpool, but the Northern Irishman will be looking to make further additions before the end of the transfer window to add more depth and quality to the Potters’ squad, as they look to continue to climb up the Championship table.

Stoke could be in need of adding to their options at the heart of their defence, having allowed Cameron Carter-Vickers to return to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur, while the Potters have also seen Ryan Shawcross struggling with injury problems throughout the campaign – and O’Neill’s side have been linked with a move for Aston Villa’s James Chester.

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The Potters could also equally be in need of adding to their options in the middle of the park, having allowed both midfielders Badou Ndiaye and Peter Etebo to leave the club on loan for the rest of the season, which has left them somewhat light of options.

The verdict

This will be an interesting last few days of the transfer window at Stoke, with the Potters needing to bring in two additions in defence and midfield before the transfer window shuts, and O’Neill has certainly earned the right to be backed given the recent improvements made in their form.

Stoke have been having to somewhat cut down the size of their squad during the transfer window, and having done that they can now look to bring in some new additions, and loan signings would help the Potters with their budget so look the most sensible route to take.

A defender looks like a key potential area of business that they will need to conduct before the window closes, with O’Neill needing to bring in extra quality and cover in case of any injuries or suspensions to their existing centre-back options which would leave them light at the back.

Midfield is another key area that needs adding to, with O’Neill having done well to bring both Nick Powell and Jordan Cousins back into contention for starting places since he arrived at the club, though he could still do with adding another option to support the likes of joe Allen and Sam Clucas.