Stoke City FC

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• Manager:Tony Pulis

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Potters on the trail of Ashton

25 Jun 2009 - 12:38:14

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Stoke City are interested in signing West Ham United striker Dean Ashton.

The 25-year-old England striker is wanted by the Potters despite spending most of the last campaign on the sidelines with the latest in a long line of injury problems.

Ashton has made just 51 first-team appearances during three-and-a-half years at Upton Park following a £7.25million transfer from Norwich City.

Ankle surgery in September ended his last season prematurely after making just four appearances.

Stoke's interest comes just one day after manager Tony Pulis suggested he was also keen to sign Michael Owen from Newcastle United.

The fellow injury-plagued frontman would be available on a free transfer following the end of his contract with the relegated Magpies.

"He'd be a great signing for this football club and he can rest assured our fans would treat him as one of their own," admitted Pulis.

"I imagine there will be bigger clubs taking an interest in his availability for the moment, but that doesn't mean he'll end up signing for them necessarily."