Football Transfer News – According to Sky Sports News, Stoke City have confirmed that they are in talks with Real Madrid over a deal to bring Ruud van Nistelrooy back to the Premier League.

The Dutchman is keen to secure first team football to earn a place in the national side for the World Cup, and has found playing time restricted due to injuries and the form of competing strikers.

Manager Tony Pulis had previously ruled out a move for the 33-year old former Manchester United man, but chairman Peter Coates has confirmed that the club are speaking to the player’s representatives over a possible move.

“It’s an if, a big if – I don’t want to exaggerate,” Coates said

The striker has been marginalised at Madrid this season, and has attracted interest from a host of teams across Europe, and the lure of first team football may appeal more to the Dutchman than a peripheral role at a bigger club.

“We can’t compete with the teams at the top financially, We try and do things our own way, be innovative and a bit smart. We’re on the case, making necessary enquiries and seeing what we can do. It’d be very, very exciting. He’s getting older but he’d still be a terrific player” Coates continued.

Coates also indicated that there will be moves at the Britannia in the January window “despite financial constraints”.