The Potters have started somewhat of a rejuvenation since Alex Neil took the reigns at the bet365 Stadium just ten games ago.
However, with a new manager now at the helm, changes usually come with that new face on the training pitch. Here is three deals we believe Alex Neil could strike as the January transfer window edges ever closer.
Daniel Iversen - Goalkeeper - Leicester City
One player who could potentially be targeted by The Potters is former Preston North End goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.
The Dane is currently around the first team squad at his parent club Leicester City after The Foxes' failed to find a suitable replacement for the departing Kasper Schmeichel. Since then, Danny Ward (formerly of Huddersfield Town), has been the starting keeper for Leicester with him being supported by Iversen.
However, it is anticipated by many that Leicester will look to find a replacement goalkeeper in January to sure up their defence after shipping 24 goals so far this season, the second most in the league.
If this was to happen, this would push Iversen further down the pecking order and he could seek a move for more regular football in January, and where better than with a manager who got the best out of him in the Championship before.
Ben Pearson - Midfielder - AFC Bournemouth
Another deal that the Gaffer could look to strike is to sign Ben Pearson on loan from AFC Bournmouth.
Ben Pearson was once Alex Neil's defensive enforcer at Deepdale during his time at Preston North End and he is currently struggling for game time on the South Coast. Pearson, who is now 27 (28 in January) has only made 4 appearances since Bournemouth's promotion to the Premier League.
Potters fans have long complained about a lack of bite in midfield, well, Ben has it in abundance. Pearson, has made 197 appearances at Championship level across 7 seasons. The midfielder pocks a sucker punch for oppositions with his love of a tackle, ability to break up opposition attacks and being a consistent sh*thouse to all opposition fans. He was arguably one of the most controversial midfielders in the Championship and he is someone who would be a great asset for Stoke.
A key individual in this deal could be Gavin Kilkenny who Stoke signed on loan under their previous manager Michael O Neill. Kilkenny has been sidelined for a large portion of his time in ST4 and as a result, The Potters might be willing to return him to his parent club for a more experienced model.
No doubt other clubs would be sniffing around Ben Pearson so Stoke would have to negotiate efficiently to stand a chance but who better than a former gaffer to bring a previous manager's favourite to his new surroundings.
Phil Jagielka - Defender - New Contract
If Stoke were able to pull off either of the first two deals, they could then turn their attention to who is currently inside the changing room. One of them is 40 year old veteran Phil Jagielka who has recently returned to the Starting XI.
Jags has made 8 appearances this season, scoring once and also assisting too. The veteran defender has shown no sign of slowing down and is a well respected player in our dressing room.
Jagielka is only contracted to The Potters until January 2023 so extending his contract seems only logical considering his re-emergence into the first team fold.
Would you like to see Jags given a new 6 month deal until Summer 2023? Let us know in the comments!
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