Van Nistelrooy Stoke link excites Banks

Van Nistelrooy is out of favour at Real (GETTY IMAGES)

Gordon Banks believes Stoke would "shoot up" the Barclays Premier League if they pulled off the audacious signing of Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has said he is interested in bringing the 33-year-old former Manchester United and Holland striker, who is currently out of favour at Real Madrid, to the Britannia Stadium.

Coates' remarks are a clear statement of ambition from the Potters, who are now established in the top flight after promotion in 2008, and Banks feels van Nistelrooy would be a remarkable signing.

The 72-year-old Stoke and England goalkeeping legend said: "That would be fantastic.

"The chairman is quoted in the paper saying he is interested.

"He is not sure what will happen but, if we could get him... this is what we are lacking, someone to put the ball in the back of the net.

"From the games I have seen, we are creating quite a number of chances but we just haven't got that player to knock it in the back of the net.

"If he came here and started to do that, we would shoot up that table."

Banks is pleased to see the Potters back and performing well in the top division after an absence of 23 years.

He has been impressed by the job done by manager Tony Pulis and hopes the upward trend continues.

The 1966 World Cup winner added: "They have established themselves in the Premier League and the crowd were so thrilled when they got in there.

"We are not the prettiest team in the world but we are holding our own and I think that is what the manager wants to do, get us settled in.

"Hopefully he will get one or two players in during the transfer window and then go from strength to strength in the Premier League."