Stoke reveal Ruud interest

(GSM) – Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has revealed that the Premier League club are making enquiries about the availability of Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The former Manchester United man hopes to be a part of Netherlands’ World Cup squad for the finals in South Africa this summer.

But the 33-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting XI at the Bernabeu and the club are believed to be willing to sanction a move.

Stoke are looking to secure a third successive season in the Premier League and manager Tony Pulis has said he is looking to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

Coates admitted he was unsure how likely a deal for the prolific striker would be, but confirmed their interest had been lodged.

He said: “It may be a long shot but we’ve made enquiries and we’ll see what comes from them.

“It depends on him wanting games to make sure he goes to the World Cup. We’re too far away from it to know how realistic the chances are of it happening.”

The Dutchman scored 150 times for United in all competitions during his five seasons at Old Trafford, where he won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup before an £11million move to the Spanish giants in 2006.

After initial success at Real, his time at the club has been dogged by injuries and he now hopes to impress Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk to take part in what would surely be his last World Cup finals.