Jermaine Pennant is delighted to have joined what he sees as a strong Stoke squad and not ruling out a permanent stay at the Britannia Stadium.

Pennant joined Stoke on loan from Real Zaragoza until January on transfer deadline day, along with Marc Wilson and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

The Potters had already captured Kenwyne Jones and Jon Walters ahead of the last-gasp action and Pennant was only too happy to join the revolution.

He told Stoke City Player: “My agent always told me Stoke were always interested and tried to sign me last season. But it was literally on the last day.

“I was in Spain watching Sky Sports News and I saw Eidur (Gudjohnsen) had flown into Stoke and I was thinking ‘ that’s a good signing’, but I didn’t know at that time I was on my way there too.

“Then I got the call from my agent and it was a very attractive move and my agent told me Tony Pulis will definitely get the best out of me.”

Pennant is likely to be deployed on the right wing by Pulis and, with a clutch of other new forwards in the squad, the former Liverpool man feels the Potters can make waves in the Premier League.

“We’re looking very strong and this is probably the best Stoke City team the Premier League has ever seen,” added the 27-year-old.

“If you look at the strikeforce there isn’t many better out there, with Kenwyne Jones and Eidur Gudjohnsen. That’s a great frontline and with the new additions like myself, plus Matthew Etherington on the other wing, we’ve got pace.”

Pennant has already spent two days training with his new side and he has been impressed by the facilities at the club’s newly-developed Clayton Woods complex.

“They’ve only been in here a week and it’s an impressive place, just as good as at Arsenal and Liverpool so Stoke are definitely moving in the right direction.

“Now I can’t wait for the first game, if selected or on the bench. I’m usually used to getting abuse but I’m sure now I’m a Stoke player the fans will get behind me all the way.”

West Ham boss Avram Grant has admitted there was late interest from Liverpool in England striker Carlton Cole.

The Hammers squad looks much the same as it did at the start of the day but there was plenty of talk regarding potential additions and outgoings.

Liverpool were linked with a £9million bid for Cole, with Ryan Babel reportedly offered in return.

Grant told Sky Sports News: “I think Liverpool were interested (in Cole) at the last moment, they tried to do something. I don’t think it was an offer.

“(Babel) was one of the suggestions to do or not to do.”

Grant said there was no Tottenham move for key midfielder Scott Parker and also hinted he had attempted to bring in Spurs striker Robbie Keane.

“Parker? Nothing as far as I know. They know we want Scott Parker. He’s very important for us. This season is difficult but we have a project for the next seasons and Scott is very important.

“Robbie Keane is a good striker. Any time he wants to come he is welcome.”

Tottenham are hoping to receive confirmation from the Premier League that they beat the transfer deadline to sign Rafael van der Vaart.

Spurs remain poised to land Tuesday’s biggest coup as the window closed in unexpected drama.

Manager Harry Redknapp revealed he became aware of Real Madrid midfielder Van der Vaart’s availability for a cut-price £8million just two hours before the 6pm cut-off.

But as night fell, there was still no confirmation from either club that the move had been completed in time.

Redknapp claimed 27-year-old Holland star Van der Vaart had been due to join Bayern Munich for £18million but the move broke down.

He said on Sky Sports News: “It’s still dragging on.

“We have been trying to do something but we are waiting to see if it has all gone through and we are hoping it has.

“It’s something to do with clearance.

“I think he was going to Bayern Munich yesterday for £18million and suddenly he became much cheaper.

“They let me know around 4pm that he was available for £8million and, for that money, he is a top player who will definitely improve us.

“The fee has come crashing down because the deadline is so close.

“He’s a great passer of the ball, he’s a top footballer, he will join in here and be a big plus for us.”

Van der Vaart helped Holland reach this summer’s World Cup final but has struggled to establish himself at Real since signing from Hamburg two years ago.

Redknapp also revealed he had made an approach for Liverpool winger Ryan Babel, saying: “He was a player we made an enquiry about but it never came close.”

Guy Demel’s agent claims West Ham have bid 2million euros for the Ivory Coast defender and are now waiting to hear back from Hamburg.

Grant is keen to bolster his squad before the close of the transfer window and

Demel’s agent, Saif Rubie, says the Israeli has slapped in an offer for the former Arsenal defender.

“West Ham have made an offer on Friday of 2million euros for Guy,” Rubie told Sky Sports’ website.

“However, whether it will be enough for Hamburg to do business with just three days of the transfer window left remains to be seen.

“Guy is very happy at Hamburg and committed to doing the very best he can for the club.”

Guy Demel’s agent claims West Ham have bid 2million euros for the Ivory Coast defender and are now waiting to hear back from Hamburg.

Grant is keen to bolster his squad before the close of the transfer window and

Demel’s agent, Saif Rubie, says the Israeli has slapped in an offer for the former Arsenal defender.

“West Ham have made an offer on Friday of 2million euros for Guy,” Rubie told Sky Sports’ website.

“However, whether it will be enough for Hamburg to do business with just three days of the transfer window left remains to be seen.

“Guy is very happy at Hamburg and committed to doing the very best he can for the club.”