Three areas that Stoke City need to strengthen in January

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Striker

Mark Hughes made no attempt to hide his admiration for West Bromich Albion striker Saido Berahino during the summer and the 23-year-old was certainly top of Stoke City’s wish list as they went in search of a goal scorer. However, the deal failed to transpire which resulted in the arrival of Wilfried Bony from Manchester City on loan mid-way through deadline day. The big Ivorian has failed to hit the ground running in The Potteries, having scored just two goals in nine starts for the club, and in truth, he looks only a shadow of the player that once terrorised Premier League defences in a Swansea City shirt.

Bony’s lack of goals has re-opened Stoke City’s search for a proven goal scorer with the suggestion being that Mark Hughes wants to bring in an individual that can add greater pace and movement to The Potters’ attack. With Berahino’s relationship with West Brom at an all-time low, the striker was dismissed to France to attend a weight loss programme, and his contract beginning to dwindle towards expiry, do not be surprised if Stoke resume their interest when the transfer window re-opens.