Stoke City boss Tony Pulis admits they tried for Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll over the summer.
The Potters are at Newcastle later today.
Pulis told stokecityfc.com: "We've looked at Andy, but there have been loads of clubs looking at him, and I am sure there will be a lot more in the future.
"Newcastle knew they had something they wanted to keep and fair play to them.
"He has played at every representative level for England except full international, but I don't believe it will be all that long before he wins a full cap."
