Bayern Munich are lining up a summer bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. The 26-year-old has scored nine goals in 26 games this season for the struggling Hammers.

Carlton Cole could be set for a move across London this summer, after it was reported that Arsenal were given first option to buy the England international.

World Cup hopeful Carlton Cole has revealed he rejected two offers to quit West Ham in the January transfer window because he is committed to Gianfranco Zola.

West Ham United expect to complete the signing of Eidur Gudjohnsen within the next 24 hours. He will join Benni McCarthy in a new-look attack at Upton Park.

Carlton Cole is facing an agonising four months on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury which could jeopardise both his World Cup spot and a big-money January move.

Manchester United and Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their 20million chase for Carlton Cole after West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola insisted he is not for sale.

Fed-up Gianfranco Zola admits continued transfer speculation linking his top name stars with a move away from Upton Park has caused havoc on West Ham’s poor start to the season.

West Ham will demand 20m from Liverpool for Carlton Cole. The Hammers are braced for the Reds to head a number of clubs making a move for the striker in January.

Ben Foster has been called up into the England squad for the final World Cup qualifier against Belarus. The Manchester United goalkeeper replaces Robert Green.

Serhiy Nazarenko’s strike ended 10-man England’s unbeaten record in World Cup qualifying Group Six. Robert Green was sent off for bringing down Artem Milevskiy in the box, with Andriy Shevchenko missing the subsequent penalty.