Allardyce tells Stoke to up Cole offer

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has told Stoke they will have to increase their offer if they want to sign striker Carlton Cole.

The Potters are reported to have made an opening bid of £3m, plus various add-ons, for the 27-year-old England international.

Allardyce accepts the Hammers have to look at balancing the books after their relegation from the Barclays Premier League last season but stressed players would not be allowed to leave cheaply.

“I believe at this stage that the offer is not good enough. It is not to the club’s valuation,” the West Ham boss told The Sentinel.

“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.”