Stoke Confirm Cole Interest

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has admitted the club are negotiating moves for Carlton Cole and Jonathan Woodgate.

Striker Cole joined fellow England internationals Rob Green and Scott Parker as part of the Hammers' 26-man squad that travelled to Switzerland yesterday for a six-day training camp.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to the Potters since the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League and a deal could now be completed, for an initial fee of around £4.5million.

Coates said: "Cole's a player the club is interested in and Tony Pulis has liked him for a long time, we think he's a very good player.

"It's not done and dusted but it's work in progress.

"He's a player the club is interested in and Tony Pulis has liked him for a long time, we think he's a very good player."

QPR were also thought to be monitoring Cole's availability but he could now be set for a move to the Britannia Stadium, which may end Pulis' pursuit of Birmingham forward Cameron Jerome.

Meanwhile, Coates has admitted free agent Woodgate is interesting the club, with a view to a play-per-play deal being offered to the England international.

The former Middlesbrough, Leeds, Newcastle, Real Madrid and Tottenham defender's career has been plagued by injury.

Coates added on talkSPORT: "We're working on that and it's something we're prepared to do.

"It's work in progress but we're taking a risk. We hope we'll be able to do something."