Stoke City: 7 Players Nathan Jones Should Look to Buy This Summer as Potters Chase Promotion

A disastrous campaign last year saw Stoke finish in their lowest league position since Tony Pulis' newly promoted side narrowly avoided relegation in 2003, despite a sizeable investment in the squad.

There's no use pretending the Potters can afford their wage bill long term under the strict Championship FFP restrictions so there's not a lot of money to spend for the new boss. 

Nathan Jones also looks determined to push his diamond formation this season and there are a number of key positions Stoke are lacking in to make that formation work. 

Here are seven stars who could be available for the right price to improve Stoke's prospects:

Jordan Archer

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What He Brings: In short a replacement for the outbound Jack Butland. Jordan Archer was sensational in Millwall's first season back in the Championship in 2017/18, only promoted duo Wolves and Cardiff and playoff finalists Aston Villa had a better defensive record that season. 

Maintaining defensive stability is going to be integral for a Stoke side still struggling to find their feet in front of goal. Jones can't bank on a seismic change at the attacking end so he needs someone who can fill Butland's huge shoes at the back. 

Availability: Archer's contract was up this summer and the Lions have allowed him to leave on a free making him an ideal acquisition.

Pape Souare

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What He Brings: The emergence of Tom Edwards has softened the load somewhat but Stoke need more attacking full backs to implement Jones' vision. Pape Souare brings great pace, physical strength and a wealth of experience to an area where Stoke are currently lacking all three. 

He was sidelined for a long period following his accident and never regained his place at Crystal Palace but the sporadic appearances he has made since show he still has the qualities to improve Stoke. 

Availability: His contract is up this summer so he could be available for nothing. He is reportedly in talks of an extension but a loan deal could still be possible.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

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What He Brings: Jones is very eager to link up with James Justin again but after a phenomenal campaign, the young right back is not short of suitors and is looking increasingly out of Stoke's reach. 

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson could play a very similar role for Stoke if Jones can work his magic again and coax the potential out of the 22-year-old. He established himself as a strong attacking full back for Scunthorpe last season and even bagged his first senior goals with a brace against Charlton. 

Availability: Borthwick-Jackson's stock has fallen a long way since a promising debut campaign. With just a year remaining on his contract, Manchester United could be ready to cash in for a reasonable fee or loan him out again.

Ezequiel Schelotto

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What He Brings: A third and final recruit in the full back position offering an experienced option on Edwards' preferred side. The Argentine can also be deployed as a winger which will make him an ideal fit for Stoke's new wing-back role. 

He also brings a great deal more wisdom than the young Edwards which could be crucial in tough encounters that require more discipline. He's no stranger to being a rotation player either which is ideally what Stoke are looking for on that right side. 

Availability: Schelotto spent the second half of last season on loan at Serie A side Genoa, so Brighton are definitely open to him departing. He also has just one year left on his contract. 

Mohamed Diame

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What He Brings: Composure, control and the ability to pick out a pass, things that have abandoned Stoke at times in recent seasons. Calming the midfield down and bringing their game back to basics. 

Mo Diame has eight years Premier League experience as well as relevant promotion experience with Newcastle. He probably won't bring the energy of likely departure Joe Allen, but he can offer a key anchor for Stoke's attacking players to get forward. 

Availability: At 32, he was released by Newcastle this summer despite making 29 Premier League appearances for the Magpies last season. 

Nick Powell

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What He Brings: The enigmatic attacker has a lot of skill in his locker but he all too rarely applies it in games. That has seen his career stutter a little since a meteoric start but there is a diamond in that rough and it could also be the ideal formation to bring it out. 

He likes to play just off the striker and with the potential dual aerial threat of Sam Vokes and Benik Afobe he should have plenty to feed off in that area. He possesses the touch and the vision to prove a real lynchpin in Stoke's new attack if Jones can get the performances out of him. 

Availability: It's another free deal and a likely looking one with Stoke reportedly already tracking Powell. Wigan will make one last push to retain their man but rumour has it his head is already turned. 

Scott Hogan

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What He Brings: Hopefully goals. Scott Hogan became hot property after scoring 21 goals in his first 33 Championship appearances and could rediscover that touch for Stoke. The Potters are crying out for a poacher with no shortage of balls going into the box but precious few opportunities actually created them.

Hogan recently tweeted he could bag 25 goals with enough game time so his confidence has clearly not taken a knock despite a torrid time at Aston Villa. Two goals from eight appearances on loan last season suggest he could still hit double figures at least in a full league campaign. Something no Stoke player has managed for three years.  

Availability: He certainly looks surplus to requirements at Villa since their promotion and the Villans could be convinced to take a cut price for the forward to free up some room on the wage bill.