Stoke City: Mark Hughes contacted about manager's job

Stoke City have made contact with Mark Hughes as they look to replace Tony Pulis as manager.

The Premier League club have made their interest known to Hughes, who has been out of management since being sacked by Queens Park Rangers in November.

Leading figures at the Potters are of the view that the 49-year-old Hughes would be a "good fit" for the club, but will also talk to other candidates.

Formal talks with several individuals could open over the weekend.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is another under consideration to replace Pulis, who left Stoke on Tuesday after seven years in charge, but Hughes has emerged as the choice of key decision-makers.

The former Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea striker started his managerial career with Wales in 1999 before leaving to take charge at Blackburn in 2004.

He left Ewood Park four years later for Manchester City, where he spent 18 months before being replaced by Roberto Mancini.

A one-season spell at Fulham followed before he was named QPR manager in January 2012.

He saved the Loftus Road club from relegation that season, but was sacked just three months into the following campaign.

Martinez, meanwhile, has delayed a decision on whether he will remain as Wigan manager.

The 39-year-old Spaniard, whose side won the FA Cup but were relegated from the Premier League, had been expected to inform chairman Dave Whelan of his wishes on Thursday.