But the fact remains ... Stoke have spent a club record £10million to bring in England striker Peter Crouch from Tottenham ... when Mike Ashley told Alan Pardew to "forget him" after being quoted the asking price.
Crouch has signed a four-year deal with the Potters after showing an interest in a move to St James' Park.
The rumours reached White Hart Lane last week that there was going to be a late bid by Pardew for the England international, and we believe Crouch was ready to make the switch.
But Ashley made it known he would not go beyond £6m, and that offer was laughed out of court by the Spurs board.
The Crouch deal could even rise to £12million dependent on the fulfilment of various clauses.