Source: Daily_Mail
Carlton Cole set to snub Stoke
Carlton Cole is ready to ditch talks with Stoke about moving to the Britannia Stadium after Potters chairman Peter Coates said on TV it could be a 'risky' signing.[LNB]The Barclays Premier League club were said to be close to agreeing a ?4.5million deal for the West Ham striker before Coates opened his mouth and questioned his injury record on Sky Sports.[LNB]Cole is reported to be 'upset' by the comments according to the Daily Mirror and could now pull out of the move altogether.[LNB] Upset: Carlton Cole was unimpressed by Stoke chairman Peter Coates's comments regarding his injury record[LNB]Coates was referring to Cole's knee problem which interrupted his season two years ago although he still went on to make 30 appearances for the club that campaign, while he made 43 appearances in all competitions last term.[LNB]Coates said earlier this week: 'He has got an injury problem and he's always had that. That's another risk you take, you have to factor that in. But he's a good player and Tony has always liked him. Managers like different players, don't they? And Tony has always liked him.[LNB] History of injury: The England striker has had various problems over the years but Tony Pulis was not put off[LNB]'I think we have tried to sign him about three times over the last few years without succeeding. Maybe we'll get somewhere this year.'[LNB]He has still refused to submit a transfer request to West Ham following their relegation to the Championship last season and is believed to be happy to stay at Upton Park if no offer comes in for him. Suggestions that Cole's wage demands were scuppering the Stoke deal have also been dismissed.[LNB]Stoke's stance leaves the way open for QPR to come back in for England international, currently in Switzerland as part of the Hammers' 26-man pre-season training squad, after Stoke stole a march on the Premier League new boys.[LNB] Sign up for our FREE Fantasy Football game and your chance to win a share of ?40,000 Stoke look to Bolton's Matt Taylor as deal for Carlton Cole closes in Pulis puts his faith in Woodgate as Stoke offer lifeline to injury-ravaged defender STOKE F
