West Ham reject Stoke City's opening bid for Carlton Cole

West Ham United have rejected Stoke City's opening bid for Carlton Cole and told the Premier League club that they will need to significantly increase their offer. Stoke are believed to have offered in the region of £4m plus add-ons for the England international. West Ham are stepping up their search for more firepower after admitting defeat in their attempts to sign Jay Bothroyd, who is on a free transfer, and the Blackpool striker DJ Campbell. Bothroyd and Campbell have expressed a desire to play in the Premier League .