Stoke make shock move for Ruud van Nistelrooy
Published 23:00 09/01/10 By MirrorFootball
Stoke City have launched an audacious bid to sign Real Madrid striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is desperate to make a major signing this month and has stepped up his attempt to sign Dutch international Van Nistelrooy on a free transfer.
Ex-Manchester United star striker Van Nistelrooy will be allowed to leave Madrid this month and has been offered a move to the Britannia Stadium.
The 33-year-old wants to enhance his chances of appearing at this year's World Cup and Liverpool and Spurs are also considering bids.
But Potters chairman Peter Coates admitted: "It may be a long shot but we've made enquiries and we'll see what comes from them.
"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 has targeted more firepower to boost his survival bid - with Stoke having scored only four goals away from home this season.
