Here’s what Stoke City need to do in the January window

The January transfer window is fast approaching.

Clubs are eyeing up the market at home and abroad as they look to improve their respective squads.

We’re taking a look at what all 20 Premier League sides could be after in the January sales.

And Stoke City are next up…

What they need

First priority for the Potters is a striker that can score goals.

The Staffordshire side cannot continue to rely on a 36-year-old Peter Crouch to fire them to safety.

City should also strengthen defensively.

They have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League and may freshen things up at the back.

Who they’re targeting

Stoke could make an approach for Liverpool forward Danny Ings.

The 25-year-old is short of game time and City would provide him with starting opportunities.

Augsburg right-back Daniel Opare has also been linked with a move to the club.

The Ghanaian international is out of contract in the summer and is available for a cut-price fee in January.

Who they might lose

Goalkeeper Jack Butland has been linked to host of top clubs.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both shown strong interest in City’s star performer.

Erik Pieters, too, is sought after by Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Speculation continues to abound over the future of Xherdan Shaqiri as the Potters continue to plummet.

Final thought

Stoke’s current squad isn’t actually that bad.

They have proven Premier League players who should be performing better than they are.

While additions in certain areas could improve the situation, it might be the manager who needs to go if the Staffordshire side are to revive their season.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of publication