Bojan Krkic
Bojan Krkic is proving to be a sensation at Stoke City. Getty

After achieving the club's highest-ever Premier League finish last season, Mark Hughes continues his attempt to establish the team among England's elite - while searching for a more pleasant playing style.

Despite a slow start to the life in the Premier League, Stoke are becoming more fluent with each passing week, with Bojan orchestrating things in the playmaker role. The team sit in a comfortable position, well clear of the relegation zone, so Hughes can pursue his makeover in a relatively relaxed environment.

What they need:

Bojan has proved a sensation during the first part of the season, but injuries to both Peter Odemwingie and Victor Moses have depleted Stoke's attacking options.

Hughes may consider signing a winger to partner Bojan and Crouch up front, while adding pace on the flank.

Who could join:

The manager has already claimed his main target is to secure the long-term futures of both Crouch and Glenn Whelan with new contracts, rather than making new additions.

Nevertheless his eyes remain open should a 'new Bojan' become available. Indeed Stoke have recently been linked with both Joel Campbell and Aaron Lennon, outcasts at Arsenal and Tottenham respectively.

Norwich starlet Nathan Redmond, QPR's Junior Hoilett and Rennes youngster Paul-Georges Ntep are also reportedly on the radar.

Who could leave:

The club have already confirmed winger Brek Shea has returned to Orlando City after making only five appearances at the Britannia Stadium since joining in January 2013.

Charlie Adam has been linked with a move to David Moyes' Real Sociedad, while goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is said to be on Brendan Rodgers' shopping list as a replacement for Simon Mignolet.

Despite Hugues' intentions, Crouch is reportedly being monitored by a number of bigger clubs as his contract is set to expire next summer.

What the manager has said:

Hughes expects a quiet transfer window in terms of both arrivals and departures.

He said: "If an opportunity comes about that we think is right – is at the right level for us and we think is realistic and we might be able to do something – then we will pursue it.

"But we haven't done a great deal of business in January – we didn't last year. Peter Odemwingie came in, so it can be something to look at. But in terms of spending significant amounts of money on players in January, I don't anticipate that will happen.

"We have to make sure Stoke City are strong, and that means we don't let anybody leave, even if there is a real interest or situations that might develop."