Stoke manager Gary Rowett is launching a £5m raid on former club Birmingham for striker Che Adams.

Rowett will make a move for Adams in the January transfer window as he prepares to strengthen his Stoke squad for the final months of the season.

Adams was signed by Rowett two years ago during his spell in charge at Birmingham and the 22-year-old has scored eight goals this season, including a hat-trick in his last game against Hull City and the winner against Stoke in October.

Birmingham will be reluctant to sell the former Sheffield United forward but Rowett is targeting more firepower to boost Stoke’s promotion bid.

Ahead of their game against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, Stoke have only scored 19 goals in the Championship so far this season. Their last two games against Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest were also goalless draws.

Stoke see Adams as the answer to their goalscoring problems credit: GETTY IMAGES

After the 0-0 draw at the City Ground, Rowett said: “We’re building nicely and only lost two games in 11 in the league, so we’re showing a resilience.

“We’ve got quality in the group and it will come out, but of course we want it in the moments we need it.

“We’ve now got two home games in a row and a real opportunity to move higher up the table.”

Stoke also face Rowett’s former club, Derby County, at the bet365 Stadium on Wednesday.