Tony Pulis is planning for the Premier League (Getty)

Stoke City chief executive Tony Scholes says the Premier League-bound Potters' hunt for new signings is underway.

Scholes told BBC Radio Stoke: "[Manager] Tony Pulis started prior to going up. The process of signing a player can sometimes be a long one.

"We are very diligent when it comes to checking out a player is right for us - his character and background, things that have served us well in the past."

City are preparing for their first season in the top flight since 1985.

The Potters will benefit to the tune of an estimated �60m windfall for achieving promotion and chairman Peter Coates says the club will be spending the money wisely.

"We want to make sure we use the money well.

"The manager is spreading his net and making contacts abroad. We realise we will have to look outside the UK players and we are doing that."