"Shocked" - Aaron Connolly named in Stoke City free agent debate | OneFootball

FLW has been speaking with our Stoke City fan pundit to discuss whether there is a certain free agent that the Potters could look to sign.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Stoke City enjoyed a busy summer of activity in the transfer market, with numerous incomings and outgoings as Steven Schumacher looks to build a squad that can challenge for promotion this season.

The Potters were boosted by a host of new additions, including the likes of Viktor Johansson, Ben Gibson and Andrew Moran.

Whilst the club also lost some important first team figures, such as Josh Laurent, Lewis Baker, Mehdi Leris and Tyrese Campbell.

With the transfer window now shut, the only option managers have should they wish to strengthen their side further is the free agent market, but is that something Stoke could look to do? And if so, who?

FLW's Stoke City fan pundit, Sam Harrison, believes that despite being of the opinion that the club won't dip into the free agent pool, there is a certain striker who scored a respectable number of goals in the Championship last season that could be of some appeal to the Potters.

Harrison said: "First and foremost, I'd say I highly doubt they would look at bringing in anyone else if I'm being totally honest.

"I think if you look at Stoke's squad, in every position you've got a backup. So, I think when you look at it in terms of free agents, the one that's already been linked with Stoke is of course Fred Onyedinma.

"He was at the open training session at Stoke, so he obviously was on trial, but didn't play in any of the friendlies during pre-season, so obviously he's up there. The only other one I'd say, having looked at the free agents that are out there, some obviously bring in that massive experience that you need.

"But, someone that kind of fits a similar profile of signings we've brought in, only 24 as well, and at the end of the day, he scored eight goals in the Championship last season for Hull, and it's Aaron Connolly.

"We brought in Tom Cannon; we don't need a striker at all. I think and hope that Cannon will bring us the goals, but in terms of free agents and in terms of who else would you hypothetically bring in, I'd say Connolly.

"I think he's a top player. I'm quite surprised he hasn't been picked up by any Championship teams yet, maybe he will. Maybe he looks for a club like Portsmouth, or something like that, where he knows he's guaranteed game time.

"Maybe that's what he's waiting for, or maybe that's the opportunity that's coming for him. But, he scored against Stoke last season, he's a quick player, someone who likes to take on their man, obviously an option off the bench, that's my thinking behind it. "But, I do highly doubt it will happen if I'm being totally honest. But from the point of view of if there was a free agent out there, if Stoke were to sign them, I would say Connolly.

"He got the goals last season. I am a little bit shocked at why he hasn't been picked up by someone in the Championship."

Stoke should avoid Connolly & put faith in talented crop of forwards

With the arrival of the aforementioned Cannon, as well as Sam Gallagher and Lewis Koumas, Stoke City have been able to add three talented forward options to their attack this summer.

That trio of new recruits joins a goalscoring department that already featured the likes of Million Manhoef, Andre Vidigal, and the highly-rated teenager, Emre Tezgel.

As such, Schumacher has a nice blend of proven firepower at Championship level, whilst also having the luxury of calling on a number of improving and hungry youthful attacking players.

Therefore, the Potters don't appear to be in desperate need of further reinforcements to their forward line, with Manhoef and Koumas in particular enjoying fruitful starts to the season in front of goal.

That same hunger to improve and application hasn't always been visible in the career of Connolly to date, with question marks over his attitude having been repeatedly asked over the years.

With Stoke enjoying a positive start to the season, having yet to unleash Gallagher and Cannon in the side as well, Schumacher should have no reason to not place confidence in his forward crop this season.