New Stoke chairman Peter Coates has confirmed he is in negotiations with John Rudge to bring him back to the club as director of football.
Rudge has been sidelined for three months after his relationship with former boss Johan Boskamp broke down.
But with Boskamp now having left Coates is keen for him to return.
He told the Stoke Sentinel: "I have met with John and I hope, within the new structure, there will be a place for someone of John's huge experience."
He added: "Since the takeover he has either been away on holiday or I have been detained on other matters, so this was really the first chance we've had to sit down face to face."
Meanwhile, Coates was keen to remain tight-lipped on rumours suggesting the Britannia club are close to agreeing a deal to bring Tony Pulis back as manager.
He said: "I am not in a position to comment on the managerial situation at present.
"But I can assure supporters that things are being dealt with as quickly as possible and are not being allowed to drift."
