West Ham's official site say he's joined up with them in Switzerland but all reports suggests he's signing for us so who knows what to believe.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...rip-despite-Stoke-move.html?ito=feeds-newsxml 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. 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. 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. The former Chelsea striker was subject of a £3m bid from the Potters last weekend but reportedly had a medical in the Potteries on Friday. 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. 'The club targeted him and went all out to get him, which he was impressed with.'
Sgt My mate say't the Sentinel say's.. quote " John Rudge has stayed behind too complete the deal" How the Hell can Cole sign IF he's abroad? Don't believe everything you read. Until, it's official. Keep the faith Sgt cos I ain't got a """"""" clue what's happening.
Aye, as I've said on another thread, dunner believe it, till you see him holding up a Stoke shirt at the Brit (or training ground. . .)
So still no pace upfront - does anyone think Cole and Jones can play effectively upfront together? Oh and we can rotate them with another big lump in Mamba? Excellent Tony 'like for like because I have no vision' Pulis!
No, I don't think Cole and Jones would be good together. We'd be alright rotating between one of those two, and either Fuller or Walters, but I don't want us to be just "alright". . . I got quite excited when a few bookies put us as favourites to sign Agbonlahor, but there's been no further mention, so it must have been a load of bollocks, but someone like that would give us the pace we need.
Robbie Keane, Krancjar, Agbong whatever endless name's even Defoe Tony? If you don't ask, you don't get! Cole just another same old, same old. can who play with him. Not sure Smither's. Fuller isn't fit yet so that leaves us with Walter's, Jones oh and Muamba Not good enough T.P. MIDFIELD PLAYER'S PLEASE. Sorry for shouting.
So going by Coates' words it would seem that Cole will sign Thursday at the very earliest if things go swimmingly with Cole but it would seem more likely that it will be either Friday or Saturday. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11685_7033623,00.html? Stoke chairman Peter Coates has confirmed that the club have had a bid accepted by West Ham for Carlton Cole. The England international slipped out of the Premier League with the Hammers last season and was expected to be among those heading out of the club this summer. He is a proven top flight performer and there was always going to be plenty of potential suitors willing to offer him a route back to the big time. Stoke have been linked with an approach for much of the transfer window, with Tony Pulis known to be in the market for attacking talent. He has now made his move for Cole, with a formal bid on the table. The finer details of that offer are acceptable to West Ham and it is now be up to the Potters to thrash out personal terms with the 27-year-old. Coates told Sky Sports News: "We're still on the case. The (coaching) team is away at the moment and will be back on Thursday. Tony (Pulis) likes to be around for these things. Risk "We've done a deal with the club, it now needs his input with the player - because he likes to talk to them and make sure they aren't bored and he's not bored and everything is okay from his point of view. We see that as work in progress and hope something can be done. "We have agreed a deal with West Ham, that's done, it's now about agreeing with Carlton and his agent." Coates revealed that Stoke have been chasing Cole for some time and insists they have no concerns regarding his long-term fitness. He added: "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. "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." Should Cole complete a switch to Stoke, he could be joined at the Britannia Stadium by Cameron Jerome. Skysports.com understands the Potters are still in talks with the Birmingham forward and are hopeful of reaching an agreement.
Sgt - the substitute is for you!! Proud - can I respectfully suggest that you ask Jose, Potter Pistol and the rest of the Pulis God Squad that question, they may even suggest Owen Hargreaves OR Paul Scholes
Midfield? We don't need a midfield. Once we've got Cole and Jerome we just need Heskey to sign. Here's the team I'd play: Nash Huth Shotton Shawcross Woodgate Collins Delap Sidibie Heskey Cole Jerome Top 10 finish I reckon. And Nick, what's with the "OR", I've heard Tone wants both of 'em!
