Tony Pulis is preparing to snatch West Ham forward Carlton Cole for £3.5million as the Hammers begin selling off their stars.
Following their relegation from the Premier League this season West Ham are being forced to sell off the majority of their big names as part of cost cutting measures.
One of those players who could be on his way out of Upton Park is Cole, the England international having endured a tough time in east London recently with just five league goals to his name this season.
Once valued at over £8million by Liverpool, Stoke are reportedly hoping an offer of around £3.5million could be enough to tempted the Hammers into selling.
Pulis is desperate to bolster his attacking options after deciding against signing John Carew permanently following his loan spell.
With the Potters in Europe next season Pulis needs to increase his squad size and reportedly believes Cole could do well at the Britannia Stadium given his physical attributes.