West Brom's Hulse to move to Stoke

West Brom striker Rob Hulse is set to move to Coca-Cola Championship side Stoke in a deal worth more than £m (€1.42m).

Albion have agreed terms with Stoke for the 25-year-old, who has also attracted interest from the Barclays Premiership and other Championship clubs.

Hulse will have to agree personal terms with Stoke and undergo a medical before the deal can be completed.

Hawthorns chairman Jeremy Peace said in a statement: “Stoke have been keen to sign Rob for some time, and their latest offer has now matched our valuation.”

Hulse joined Albion in a three-year deal from Crewe in July 2003 for £750,000, plus further performance-related payments, after his 27 goals fired the Gresty Road club back up into English football’s second tier.

He got off to a blistering start in his Hawthorns career as he smashed 12 goals in his first 20 games – helping to make him the Hawthorns’ second-top scorer last term.

But Hulse has failed to make an impact in his first Premiership campaign, making just five substitute appearances.

Albion manager Bryan Robson said: “I feel Rob needs first-team football to go forward in his career. Because we’ve now got Robert Earnshaw, Kevin Campbell, Geoff Horsfield and Kanu ahead of him in the squad his opportunities will be limited.

“It is a very good offer from Stoke and good business for Albion. Id like to wish Rob all the best with his future career.