Ambitious Stoke City are planning an £8 million bid for West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker.

The Sun says Stoke boss Tony Pulis will enter the bidding to sign midfield rock Parker next month after being given encouragement that the cash-strapped Hammers may be forced to sell.

Parker, 29, who has three England caps, limped out of the relegation-threatened Hammers' 2-0 defeat at Spurs yesterday after just 12 minutes with a recurrence of his hamstring injury.

The former Charlton and Chelsea star is also being eyed up by Tottenham and Liverpool, who are in the market for a defensive midfielder of his undeniable calibre.

But ambitious Potters gaffer Pulis has been promised major funds by his board for this transfer window.