Source: Team_Talk
Potters shrug off £9m Cole bid talk
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has poured cold water on reports Potters had made a club-record £9million bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.[LNB] Reports on Saturday claimed the Potters had made an approach to the Hammers for Cole, 26, who has long been linked with a move to the Britannia Stadium.[LNB]However, speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Pulis said: "There's no truth in it whatsoever.[LNB]"They've got to fill their papers and fill their television programmes. [LNB]"I'll do all of my business with the clubs that I'm dealing with." [LNB]Stoke have been quiet in the transfer market during pre-season, bringing in teenager Florent Cuvelier from Portsmouth and experienced goalkeeper Carlo Nash, who was released by Everton in May.[LNB]The Potters have also been linked with moves for Manchester City pair Roque Santa Cruz and Jo as Pulis looks to add more firepower to a squad which managed just 34 goals in the Premier League in 2009/10. [LNB]Cole, who has won all six of his international caps under Fabio Capello, scored 10 times for the Hammers last season and netted the only goal in their 1-0 victory over Ipswich on Saturday. [LNB]Meanwhile, Pulis has not ruled James Beattie or Dave Kitson out of his plans for the new season. [LNB]The forward pair are likely to be allowed to leave the Britannia Stadium if the club receives a suitable offer. [LNB]"They're both Stoke City players, we still pay them and at the moment they're working as hard as the others to keep fit," Pulis added. [LNB]"If we need them for next season, we need them for next season."
