West Ham chasing Peter Crouch

West Ham are closing in a move for Stoke City striker Peter Crouch. The forward has been told he is surplus to requirements by manager Mark Hughes.

The Hammers, who will be without Andy Carroll for the opening three months of the upcoming season, are looking for a replacement for the England international and manager Sam Allardyce prefers a move for Crouch. The burly forward will face tough competition for first team places with the arrival of Spaniard Bojan, so the 33-year-old is now readying a move to East London.