Stoke were interested in signing West Ham striker Carlton Cole in the summer transfer window. The Potters were persistently linked with the England striker, although boss Tony Pulis rebuffed that the club was lining up an offer after reports that a £9million bid had been made last month.
But now Stoke assistant boss Dave Kemp told The Sentinel: "Yes, he was there (among targets).
He added: "People say West Ham are bottom, but they've got Carlton Cole for a start and a lot of other very good players.
"We know he can be a big threat for us and we know West Ham as a team will be a big threat."
