Stoke have once again been linked with West Ham and England striker Carlton Cole.
Cole, who saw a move to City break down a fortnight ago due to his wage demands, is reportedly back on his way to the Potters with Stoke now prepared to fork out the £40,000-a-week required to land his signature.
A fee, believed to be around £3.5m rising to £5m, has already been agreed between the two clubs with West Ham looking to sell the player after relegation to the Championship.
If Cole signs he would undoubtedly be in the matchday squad for Thursdays Europa League game against Hajduk Split with City having just two fit strikers at the current time.