Stoke boss Tony Pulis is stepping up his search for a new striker and is reported to have offered £3million for Carlton Cole.
Potters boss Tony Pulis is keen to kickstart a spending spree and after failing with a £16million double bid for Birmingham duo Dann and Jerome, he is set to double his efforts.
Pulis is expected to raise his offer for the duo as talks continue between the two clubs but he is also looking at other options and Hammers striker Cole remains a target.
Stoke tried to sign Cole last summer but refused to match West Ham's £12million valuation and the deal collapsed. Cole then went on to have a disappointing season when bagging just five goals as the Hammers were relegated and now Pulis is set to try his luck again.
The £3million offer falls well short of West Ham's valuation but the deal would include add ons and Sam Allardyce may have to cash in after being told to slash the age bill.
Even so £3million is still likely to be rejected and Pulis like with Dann and Jerome, will have to up his offer if he is to strike a deal for the Hammers star.