Stoke City will need to seek major improvements if they are to stand any chance of securing a play-off place in the current campaign. 

The Potters have struggled to ensure consistency under Gary Rowett this season as they often follow up a positive result with a negative one, which certainly hasn't helped their promotion push. And, to make things even worse, it appears as if one of the club's stars is leaning towards an exit, as according to The Chronicle Live, Erik Pieters is open to a move to Newcastle United.

Erik Pieters is thought to be open to a move to Tyneside.

The Dutchman has been one of the standout performers for Stoke City in the current campaign, with a number of goals to his name already this season.

Newcastle United are in desperate need of a left-back having lost Paul Dummett to injury recently, but Rafa Benitez may face a fight to convince his board to part with a big fee for Pieters' services.

THE VERDICT:

Stoke City will be desperate to hold onto Erik Pieters in January as he's been influential down the left-hand side for them this season. He has managed to contribute in the final third on a number of occasions and will play a huge part in their campaign if they can keep him.

The Dutchman arguably deserves a move to the Premier League and is leaning towards an exit, so the Potters will find it hard to keep him.