Source: Daily_Mail
Carlton Cole in West Ham pre-season trip despite Stoke move
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has flown out to Switzerland amid reports claiming he is close to a return to the Barclays Premier League with Stoke.[LNB]The 27-year-old joined fellow England internationals Rob Green and Scott Parker as part of the Hammers' 26-man squad that travelled to Switzerland for a six-day training camp.[LNB] On the move: Carlton Cole remains on course to sign for Stoke despite travelling to Switzerland with West Ham[LNB]Despite joining Sam Allardyce's men at their base near Bern, reports emerged suggesting Stoke manager Tony Pulis is set to make Cole his first summer signing in a ?4.5million deal, which could eventually rise to ?6m depending on whether several clauses are triggered.[LNB]The former Chelsea striker was subject of a ?3m bid from the Potters last weekend but reportedly had a medical in the Potterieson Friday.[LNB] Firepower: Tony Pulis has made Cole one his top summer transfer targets[LNB]A source close to the deal said: 'Cole was desperate to stay in the Premier League and was impressed by the plans manager Pulis has for the team.[LNB]'The club targeted him and went all out to get him, which he was impressed with.'[LNB] Gone: Demba Ba left West Ham to return to the Premier League with Newcastle United[LNB]Colewill be the fourth big name to leave Upton Park since West Ham's relegation to the Championship, after Demba Ba, Thomas Hitzlsperger and Matthew Upson.[LNB]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.[LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEThe Insider: Stoke close in on Hammers striker Cole as Man City's Richards is linked with LiverpoolWest Ham call on Italian FA to suspend Diamanti over failed ?2m payment All the latest West Ham news, features and opinion [LNB]
