Stoke open Spurs talks for Crouch and Palacios

Stoke City have opened talks with Tottenham regarding a transfer for international duo Wilson Palacios and Peter Crouch. Spurs value the pair at 18m GBP.

However, Stoke are only prepared to offer as much as 11m for Crouch and Palacios, with a further 4m GBP dependent on Premier League positions over the next two years.

Tony Pulis sees Peter Crouch as the perfect outlet for Rory Delap's throws and Wilson Palacios as the final piece of the defensive jigsaw in Stoke's side.

Signings of Matthew Upson and Jonathan Woodgate have shown the ambition of Stoke this summer.

It is not yet for certain, but should Ryan Shawcross leave the club then Stoke will spend the money from that transfer on the Tottenham duo.