West Ham striker Carlton Cole is set to move back to the Premier League by joining Stoke City.

A deal between the two clubs is reported to have been agreed, with the Premier League club believed to be paying £4.5m up front, while up to another £1.5m could be due to the Hammers if various clauses are triggered.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has been tracking the 27-year-old for some time and had an offer turned down last month.

Queens Park Rangers were also interested in the forward, who was always likely to move on after the Hammers were relegated from the top flight.