Stoke are close to appointing Gary Rowett as their new manager after agreeing to pay the £1.8m compensation fee.

Relegated Stoke have returned for Rowett, their No 1 target in January after the dismissal of Mark Hughes, and are hoping to agree a deal in the next 48 hours as they prepare for the Championship.

Rowett was top of Stoke's list in the New Year, yet opted to stay at Pride Park as negotiations over a new contract were advanced, subsequently guiding Derby to the Championship play-offs.

But Stoke have revived their long-term interest in the former defender and want him to lead their promotion challenge following relegation from the Premier League.

It is understood the move is being driven by John Coates, Stoke's influential vice-chairman, who has admired Rowett for some time. Sources at Stoke have revealed that Rowett has been on Stoke's radar since his start at Burton Albion, with the 44-year-old also impressing in spells at Birmingham City and Derby.

Rowett signed a new £1.5m a year contract in January and it is understood compensation is just under the £2m mark.

Stoke parted company with Paul Lambert last Friday and are keen to bring in a new manager by the end of the week.