Stoke's New Double Swoop

Stoke City will bid £10million for Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner and Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.

The Potters have become frustrated in their attempts to prize away Tottenham Hotspur duo Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios and have set their sights on other targets.

Manager Tony Pulis had offered £16million for the Spurs pair but Crouch is unwilling to move north and Palacios more expensive than the free signing Barton.

Bendtner, 23, is surplus to requirements at the Emirates and has been allowed to look for another club if they match his £10million valuation.

The arrival of Gervinho has pushed the Denmark international further down the Gunners’ pecking order, according to the Sun.

Barton is available for nothing after falling out with Newcastle’s hierarchy and with no fee, Stoke will push their £50,000-a-week pay ceiling to reach a deal.

Palacios is more open to a move than Crouch but his £8m price tag means Barton, 28, would be cheaper.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says it is up to Barton whether he moves.

“Only Joey will determine if he stays here,” the Toon boss said. “I’ve said to Joey that he won’t play for me and I won’t include him unless I think he’s pulling for us.”