Former Stoke City star Danny Higginbotham believes new manager Gary Rowett must spent at least £50m if he wants to win direct promotion back to the Premier League.

Higginbotham points out Middlesbrough and Newcastle as two recent teams that have showed how much many is needed to mount a serious challenge.

"Stoke must do the same," said Higginbotham. "Middlesbrough spent about £40m last year and probably ended up with a stronger squad than the one relegated, but didn't get through the play-offs, so that shows how tough the league is.

"And £40m last year is probably about £55m this year in the crazy world of football, so Stoke will have to spend something like £45m-£50m and I'm sure Gary knows that.

"We all know they need to get in a striker who can score goals, and they are never cheap, but Stoke also need other players who can reach double figures for goals, like the last time the club was promoted.

"Stoke must spend, but if they can keep Joe Allen that will almost be like a new player because he really can be the heartbeat of that midfield if he stays."