Ruud van Nistelrooy is hoping to make the Dutch squad for the World Cup

Stoke City have enquired about the availability of striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, according to the club's chairman Peter Coates.

The 33-year-old Real Madrid and Netherlands front man has been linked with a move back to the Premier League during the January transfer window.

"It may be a long shot but we've made enquiries and we'll see what comes from them," Coates told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It depends on him wanting games to make sure he goes to the World Cup."

Coates continued: "We're too far away from it to know how realistic the chances are of it happening. We really don't know at this stage."

Reports in a national newspaper on Monday claimed Stoke were planning a bid to sign the former Manchester United striker on a free transfer.

However, speaking on Monday about a possible move for the player, Potters boss Tony Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke: "No, not at all.

"There's millions of players leaving and millions of players coming in. People have to fill their back pages, you just have to get on with it."

Fellow Premier League side Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the former Manchester United star.

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