Stoke City’s offer for Carlton Cole ‘not good enough’ – West Ham boss Sam Allardyce

Carlton Cole bags his second against Fulham (Getty Images)

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West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has told Stoke City they must improve their offer for Carlton Cole.

The Potters are looking to offer Cole an immediate return to the Premier League and have reportedly tabled a £3 million bid.

Allardyce told The Sentinel: “I believe at this stage that the offer is not good enough. It is not to the club’s valuation.

“We are keen to keep our key players. However, we have lost our Premier League status and our financial position has to be addressed.

“A part of that might be players are sold back to the Premier League, but only so long as that is right for our club.”

Kevin Nolan and Abdoulaye Faye have joined former boss Allardyce at Upton Park but the Hammers have already lost Demba Ba, Matt Upson and Manuel Da Costa since relegation to the Championship.

Scott Parker is seemingly set to leave as he looks to cement his place in the England national team, while Robert Green may also leave to boost his international chances.

West Ham may also be keen to sell some of their highest earners, with Thomas Hitzlsperger, Julien Faubert and Pablo Barrera have also been linked with moves away from Upton park.