Stoke Fan View: Three players who could help meet our European ambitions.

With the window closing in seven days time, I have a look at who Stoke could bring in to help achieve the clubs ambition for a seventh place finish.

Jonny, Celta Vigo – Left Back

The young Spaniard would be a perfect addition to our side right now. With a complete lack of depth on the left hand side, Jonny could offer fantastic competition for current to Erik Pieters who quite often gets away with poor performances as no one can step up and take his place.

Jonny at Celta Vigo is not only solid as a defender but is a fantastic threat going forward and has already provided three assists this season. Also, his good delivery from wide areas is something we’ve lacked massively in a long time as with no disrespect to Erik Pieters, crossing isn’t his strongest attribute.

Having Jonny in the squad would certainly help us out as it would make sure Erik Pieters has to consistently up his own performance levels and if Pieters was to ever get an injury we’d have to rely on Muniesa out of position or youngster Joel Taylor who isn’t ready for the Premier League as of yet.

How much would he cost? – Around £9 million

The young Spaniard has a couple of years left on his contract and at his young age and his level of quality wouldn’t come cheap. Celta however aren’t financially brilliantly off so wouldn’t ask for too much knowing anything above £5 mill would really help them out and keep the running of the club more sustainable.

Ignacio Camacho, Malaga – Defensive Midfielder.

Another Spaniard. This time I have identified Ignacio Camacho as our new answer to Glenn Whelan as the midfielders anticipation, aerial ability and strength in the tackle is perfect for what is required at Stoke.

There’s no doubt in my mind the 26 year old would adapt perfectly to the league as he loves the physicality in football. Also very energetic and is a lot quicker than our current holding mid Glenn Whelan, he also presents a better passing range which is good for the way Mark Hughes likes to set the team up.

The big Spaniard not only defends well but contributes well when it comes to goals as well grabbing three goals along with two assists. The full package from midfield and it was no surprise to see West Brom bidding £15 mill in the summer.

How much would he cost? – Around £15 mill

Despite the transfer with West Brom breaking down and him having a great season I reckon this would be the likely price for Camacho. Although a £15 million was rejected in the summer his contract is only two years from expiring and with no sign of him wanting to stay at Malaga his price will gradually decrease over the next few windows.

If Malaga do get an offer around £15 million they’d be stupid not to take it as it could be well reinvested into a club that is not financially in the best place at the moment. On the other hand would they want to lose their star asset?

Kerem Demirbay, Hoffenheim – Attacking Midfielder

The young German has made huge waves this season in the Bundesliga, whether it be coming off the bench or starting, Demirbay has been a huge part of Hoffenheim’s great success this season contributing a goal or assist every 120 minutes. Not bad.

A lot of Stoke fans may be confused to why we might need another ten but these are my reasons. Bojan’s time looks to be up at Stoke, whether it be to an Premier League team such as Boro or La Liga with Valencia. It’s almost a certainty that he will leave the club in this window at least on loan.

My other reason is simply that Joe Allen is not a ten and that his fantastic form at the beginning of this season was nothing more than a mere blip. This is not me knocking Joe Allen as a player because he’s been fantastic but, he would do a much better job in his natural position at centre mid.

Back on to Demirbay, his main assets are his dribbling, vision and set pieces which has made him one of the hottest youngsters in German football. Even providing a threat from long range, Demirbay seems the full package and at 23 his potential has no end.

How much would he cost – Anything above £10 million

He’s an important player to Hoffenheim and they aren’t exactly in any financial difficulty, in fact they’re one of the richest clubs in the league. He’s also got plenty of time left on his contract and is working with one of the best managers in Europe with Nagelsmann.

It would be a tough one to get done but worth it? Absolutely, as I reckon in three to four years time Demirbay could be a £30 million plus player. Bringing him to the Premier League would also benefit him as he becomes on show to more of an audience, his price will also increase and Stoke could also make a lot of profit. Overall I think this would be a very worthwhile signing for the club.