STOKE CHASING COLE
Posted on June 1, 2010
Stoke are in advanced negotiations with West Ham over the transfer of Carlton Cole and also hope to sign the striker’s team-mate Mark Noble.
Stoke are in the market for a new striker this summer as they prepare to offload James Beattie and Dave Kitson, and their manager Tony Pulis is a long-term admirer of Cole.
Stoke, Fulham and Birmingham were all reported to have bids rejected by West Ham for the 26-year-old a fortnight ago, with the Hammers placing a £15million price tag on the former Chelsea youngster.
Potters chairman Peter Coates immediately ruled out the prospect of paying £15million for a player this summer but the club have remained in negotiations with West Ham and are close to agreeing a deal worth around £12million, with the initial payment and future add-ons yet to be decided. Dave Kitson could also be offered as a makeweight.