ESPNsoccernet staff, www.espn.co.uk, Updated: 18/01/2011
West Ham prepare loan bid for Joe Cole
Getty Images
Joe Cole has failed to make an impact at Liverpool
West Ham are ready to make an approach to take one of their old heroes, Joe Cole, back to Upton Park on loan from Liverpool.
Cole joined the Hammers as a schoolboy and made his name at the club before moving to Chelsea in 2003 when West Ham were relegated from the Premier League.
A West Ham source told ESPNsoccernet: "It's a very long shot, but we are willing to have a go."
Owners David Gold and David Sullivan were willing to pay Cole a small fortune to return to the club before he opted to join Liverpool when he left Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer. That approach six months ago was also described as a "long shot" that didn't come off.
But the Hammers are ready to have another go with Cole unable to hold down a place in the Liverpool team, and the club about to embark on a spending spree in the January transfer window.
Liverpool are determined to bring Luis Suarez to the club, with Ryan Babel prepared to go the other way, and the relinquishing of Cole's wages would further enable financial movement by the Anfield hierarchy.
West Ham prepare loan bid for Joe Cole
Getty Images
Joe Cole has failed to make an impact at Liverpool
West Ham are ready to make an approach to take one of their old heroes, Joe Cole, back to Upton Park on loan from Liverpool.
Cole joined the Hammers as a schoolboy and made his name at the club before moving to Chelsea in 2003 when West Ham were relegated from the Premier League.
A West Ham source told ESPNsoccernet: "It's a very long shot, but we are willing to have a go."
Owners David Gold and David Sullivan were willing to pay Cole a small fortune to return to the club before he opted to join Liverpool when he left Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer. That approach six months ago was also described as a "long shot" that didn't come off.
But the Hammers are ready to have another go with Cole unable to hold down a place in the Liverpool team, and the club about to embark on a spending spree in the January transfer window.
Liverpool are determined to bring Luis Suarez to the club, with Ryan Babel prepared to go the other way, and the relinquishing of Cole's wages would further enable financial movement by the Anfield hierarchy.