Exclusive: Stoke chasing Rangers' Lee McCulloch

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is making a move to bring Rangers and Scotland hitman Lee McCulloch back to the Premier League - as his first signing for the big time.

Pulis always has been an admirer of the big, powerful former Wigan attacker and will open talks with Rangers this week about taking him in a £1.5million swoop.

The Potters chief tried to sign McCulloch when he was at the Latics but he wanted to go home to play for his boyhood team.

However, Gers boss Walter Smith may ease him out of the side next season.

Rangers want Burnley's Kyle Lafferty for that position and are also closing in on a £1.9m deal for Derby's Kenny Miller.

Now Pulis is set to take a chance with an offer for McCulloch, who was a major part of Wigan's success story in reaching the top flight and looked the part in the Premier League.

The Stoke manager has been given money to spend but is finding it hard to get the right ones for his direct style and within his budget - but McCulloch ticks both boxes.