Carlton Cole set for Stoke switch

Carlton Cole is set to sign for Stoke City this week, in a deal worth approximately £4m for West Ham and up to another £2m depending on appearances.

Cole had told Sam Allardyce that he needs to be playing Premier League football; and so told the new Hammers boss he would quit the club this summer.

Stoke City have won the race for his signature, after having a bid accepted last week.

Cole is due in Stoke on Monday to thrash out personal terms.