Sources within the club have revealed that Cheltenham boss Steve Cotterill is the board's top managerial target, and not Peter Taylor.
The news comes despite weekend reports claiming that Taylor has already been sounded out about a move to the Britannia Stadium - and that he is willing to take the manager's job.
Stoke's Icelandic owners are keen to make a quick high-profile appointment after Gudjon Thordarson was sacked last week.
Thordarson's departure caused outrage among fans, when he was sacked just five days after guiding the club into Division One following a four-year absence.
Taylor, who has managed Leicester, Gillingham and Brighton, was reported to be top of Stoke's wanted list at the weekend, and the fact that he had previously worked with John Rudge at Port Vale were used to strengthen the claims.
However, it has emerged from within the club that Cheltenham chief Cotterill, and not Taylor, is the Potters' first-choice to replace Thordarson. He heads a four-strong shortlist which includes Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore, Steve Coppell - manager of the side Stoke beat in the play-off final, Brentford - and Taylor.
Other candidates include Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy and Wales manager Mark Hughes, both of whom are said to be interested in the post, but the board are aware of their national commitments, which could be a potential stumbling block.
Burton Albion's young manager Nigel Clough is another contender after applying for the job, but is said to be a rank outsider for the post.
Robins chief Cotterill has emerged as Potters' top target