Stoke deny Ashton transfer talks
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Stoke open talks with Hammers over Ashton
Stoke have opened talks with West Ham over the transfer of England striker Dean Ashton, according to reports.
Sources at the Britannia Stadium have refused to confirm whether that is the case, however it is clear that City manager Tony Pulis would jump at the chance to sign the former Norwich and Crewe frontman.
Ashton, 25, was tipped to play a starring role in the last Barclays Premier League campaign but he was unable to take the field at all after September 13 due to an ankle injury.
It was the second time that Ashton - who made his England bow against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008 - had missed almost an entire season.
The striker previously broke his ankle during a training session with the national team and saw 2006-07 wiped out as a result.
soccernet.
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Stoke deny Ashton transfer talks
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.
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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he is injury prone, better dun buy him. how about loaning for a year?