Stoke have agreed a deal with West Ham United for the transfer of striker Carlton Cole, and will now have further talks with the hitman.
Cole has already had preliminary negotiations with the Potters before flying out to Switzerland to join up with his current team mates on their pre-season tour.
The fee is believed to be around £4.5m, rising to £6m with add ons and would see the England striker return to the top flight after suffering relegation with West Ham last season.
If terms are agreed with the player Cole will become the Potters second summer signing after City signed defender Jonathan Woodgate yesterday.