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Race on for striker
Sunderland, 09:50, August 25, 2010 ,
Steve Bruce is in a battle with Liverpool and Stoke for the services of West Ham's England striker Carlton Cole.
The Hammers are not in a rush to off load Cole unless they get the kind of offer, around £15m, that is difficult to turn down and that could work in Sunderland's favour.
Liverpool are said to be preparing a £12m bid with £6m up front and a further £6m to follow with add ons, which may allow Sunderland or Stoke to step in with a bigger offer up-front for the striker.
Bruce needs to add firepower to his side after selling Kenwyne Jones to Stoke and Cole fits the bill.
Hammers boss Avram Grant has his own transfer targets and the sale of Cole would generate the money for him to make his own moves in the market.