Hammers eye Belgian

West Ham are preparing to launch a raid for Stoke City defender Carl Hoefkens.

Stoke City defender Carl Hoefkens could be on his way to The Premiership after it emerged that he is being tracked by West Ham.

Hoefkens has been in impressive form since joining The Potters during the summer and The Hammers' scouting network has wasted no time in identifying him as a potential transfer target.

It is believed that Alan Pardew is preparing a package worth around £2 million in an effort to lure the Belgian international away from The Britannia Stadium.

"I am aware of the interest," Hoefkens told Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad.

"I will see what happens next.

"I know that West Ham United is a wealthy club and the transfer fees mentioned are not exaggerated."

The 27-year-old was previously with Lierse, Lommel, Westerlo and Germinal Beerschot.