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Cape Town - Under-pressure Stoke City boss Mark Hughes will be given funds to bolster his squad during the January transfer window, in a bid to turn around their ailing fortunes.
A disappointing first-half to the season sees Hughes' side teetering on the edge of the relegation zone after winning just four of their 18 Premier League games.
Saturday's 3-0 defeat at home to West Ham United was their third straight loss in the league, and Potters chairman Peter Coates has revealed plans to improve the playing staff next month.
Defence is a major concern for Hughes having shipped 39 goals this term - the highest in the top flight by some margin - as new signings Kevin Wimmer, Bruno Martins Indi and Kurt Zouma have struggled to make an impact at the back.
"It is our intention to improve the squad during the January window," Coates told Stoke Sentinel.
"We will definitely try and strengthen."
There will be plenty to play for in their next league clash when second-from-bottom West Bromwich Albion visit the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 17:00 (SA time).
