Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has confirmed that the club are in talks with West Ham United over Dean Ashton.
It was revealed on Wednesday that the Potters were considering a bid for the striker, who has not played first-team football since August 2008.
The 25-year-old underwent ankle surgery earlier this year and is said to be nearing a return to training ahead of the new season.
Ashton signed for the Hammers from Norwich in 2006 for £7.25million and has made 46 league appearances since the move, scoring 15 goals.
Coates told Sky Sports News: "I think Tony has talked to West Ham. That is the stage we are at. Tony likes him as a player."
Recent reports have suggested Stoke could also bid for Newcastle United striker Michael Owen.
Of what would be a shock deal, Coates said: "We haven't really discussed Michael Owen at this stage. We know he is about. But I don't believe we have made an approach.
"He is a terrific player and a very nice man. I don't know what options Michael has got, we are not privy to his position.
"If I said to Tony Pulis, 'Would you like Michael Owen', he'd probably say yes. It would be a fabulous coup to get Michael Owen.
"But you also have to look at other aspects - the impact he would have on the squad, the wage bill. There is always a worry about how much he would play."
Coates also dismissed suggestions that Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes could sign for Stoke on a player/coach basis.
He added: "I think that is someone just running a story. There is nothing in that."
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