Stoke target Crouch

Stoke are interested in signing Tottenham striker Peter Crouch, according to The Sentinel.

The 30-year-old looks set to leave White Hart Lane this summer for a fee of less than £10 million as Spurs boss Harry Redknapp prepares a summer facelift on his squad.

Tony Pulis is a long-term admirer of the England hitman and will attempt to sign him again, even if it takes until deadline day.

Macclesfield-born Crouch has notched a stunning 22 goals in 42 appearances for the national side and would be just what the doctor ordered for the Potters.

Peter Coates remains upbeat over possible arrivals and believes at least one striker is a priority, so rest assured – we aren`t standing still!

The Potter’s owner The Sentinel: ‘Yes, we would expect that to happen, we are confident we will be able to improve the squad before the deadline.

‘We are working on a few things, but football is a messy business and these things take time.’

In other news, West Ham striker Carlton Cole has rejected an initial move to Stoke but he may yet join later on in the window.

Bolton`s Matty Taylor is another player who`s been linked with the Potters and according to TalkSPORT, we are battling West Ham in a chase for his signature.

Meanwhile, the Stoke squad returned to training today after their two pre-season games in Pulis` hometown of Newport, they beat Newport YMCA 6-1 and drew 1-1 with Newport County in preparation for the club`s first European tie in 37 years at home to Croatian giants Hajduk Split on 28th July.