Stoke City are attempting to secure the signature of Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

Potters' manager Tony Pulis is keen to bring in a big name in the current transfer window and is trying to get the prolific Dutchman on a free transfer.

Former Red Devils forward Van Nistelrooy has been told he has no future at the Bernabeu and has been offered a transfer to the Britannia Stadium.

The veteran goalscorer wants to boost his chances of making it to the World Cup in South Africa, with Liverpool and Spurs rumoured to be interested in him.

"It may be a long shot but we've made enquiries and we'll see what comes from them," Potters chairman Peter Coates told the Daily Mirror.

"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. We really don't know at this stage."

Pulis is in serious need for more firepower to secure Premier League survival, with his side scoring just four goals away from the Britannia this term.