Tony Pulis has categorically denied that he ever tried to sign Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes.

Stoke were surprisingly linked with the 34-year-old at the end of last season and although the Potters boss admitted he would love to sign the veteran he added that the rumour wasn't true.

Despite the fact that Scholes now features less frequently for United the Salford-born ace is still very much in manager Sir Alex Ferguson's first team plans.

However although Pulis rubbished the Scholes link it is believed that he is determined to bring a centre-midfielder to the Britannia during the summer.

"He's a player of genuine quality, one most managers would give their right arm for," he told The Sentinel.

"But I have absolutely no idea where the story came from.

"I have far too much respect for United's manager to speak to anyone other than Sir Alex Ferguson himself about any Manchester United player."