Stoke City chairman Peter Coates is coy over their interest in West Ham United striker Carlton Cole.

Though Coates did admit his admiration for the striker, who missed out on a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad, he refused to be drawn in to discussing whether he would make a bid for the player.

"We won't be paying £15m for anyone, unless someone paid that for one of our players," Coates told The Sentinel.

"We are looking for players and there will be players coming in and out, which is normal. Our objective is to start the new season with a stronger squad.

"I wouldn't rule any player in or out, football is a funny game. Carlton Cole is a very good player....we will have to wait to see how things develop."