Stoke City are one of the finest models of establishing oneself in the top-flight. A modest club with limited infrastructure, they have managed to comfortably support themselves amongst the elite of the Premier League for six years, without ever having becoming embroiled in a serious relegation dogfight. With each year, their stock has risen considerably, and their ever-growing ambition is matched in the rising standard of their transfer targets. Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes have both fashioned themselves as wheeler-dealers over the last number of years, so it's no surprise that Stoke have been busy in each and every transfer window over the last number of years. With Hughes attempting to change Stoke's style, remodelling the Potters' rambunctious long-ball tactics that worked so well under Pulis, the targets have also taken a step in a different direction. While there will always be a reliance and emphasis on strength, dynamism and grit in the Stoke side, flair players of the ilk of Bojan Krkic have been ushered through the door. Take a look at the ten players who almost signed for Stoke City over the last number of years. There are certainly a few surprises in there, from Champions League winners to potential Ballon d'Or contenders in the future.