Stoke City insist that they are not in talks
with West Ham United to sign England striker Dean
Ashton.
The 25-year-old played only five games last season after
suffering an ankle injury in September and may be surplus to
requirements at Upton Park.
But Potters chairman Peter Coates told BBC Radio Stoke: "We're
not in talks with West Ham, although manager Tony Pulis might have
made a phone call."
Ashton started with Stoke's academy before moving to neighbours
Crewe.
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Pulis has long been an admirer of Ashton's talents and he was
interested in bringing him to the Britannia Stadium as early as
2003.
But the former Plymouth boss told Radio Stoke: "I've not spoken
to the player. I understand he's on big wages at West Ham."
Ashton scored 73 goals for the Alex before earning a £3m move to
Norwich City in January 2005. He then joined the Hammers for £7.25m
a year later.
But he has so far managed only 33 West Ham starts, scoring 15
Premier League goals.
He previously broke his ankle during a training session with
England, which resulted in him missing the 2006/07 season.
bbc
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