Tony Pulis reveals Stoke City would have made move for Paul Scholes had Manchester United legend been available

Paul Scholes , Manchester United

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Stoke City manager Tony Pulis says he would have gladly offered Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes a contract at the Britannia Stadium if the midfielder had not retired from football.

The 36-year-old called time on his career on Tuesday after 17 years at Old Trafford and will take up a coaching role at the club.

Scholes may well have been offered a new contract at United if he had elected to carry on playing, but Pulis revealed he would have been the first to swoop in if the midfielder wished to end his career elsewhere.

“If he’d been available, there’s no question I’d have been interested in taking him,” he told The Sentinel.

“I think there would have been quite a few of us in the Premier League wanting to take someone of his experience and quality.

“So from that point of view it’s a shame he’s decided to retire now because I’m sure there was plenty of fuel left in the tank.

“But no-one knows that decision better than the player himself and so you have to respect it.”

Scholes made 677 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, picking up 17 major trophies on the way, and Pulis is one of many that has admired the player’s contribution over the years.

“He’s been one of the great Premier League players for me,” Pulis added.

“To play nearly 700 times at the top like he has speaks volumes for his ability and the way he’s conducted himself.

“The only disappointment was his decision to retire from international football when he did.”