Cole shortage: West Ham have released striker after seven years
US of Yay: Carlton Cole set to snub Southampton, Stoke and Hull for MLS
Carlton Cole is turning his back on the Premier League for a future in Major League Soccer.
The former Chelsea and England hit-man, freed by West Ham after seven years at Upton Park, is heading for America - despite interest from the top flight.
Southampton, Stoke and newly-promoted Hull are all keen to offer Cole, 29, deals following his release by the Hammers.
Leeds and relegated QPR, who will be Championship rivals next season, also want to sign the Croydon-born striker.
But Cole, who notched 57 goals in 237 outings for the Hammers, has decided to continue his career in the United States.
DC United, San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo are all ready to tempt Cole with a lucrative contract offer, but LA Galaxy is his preferred destination.
David Beckham’s old club are favourites to land Cole and are expected to open talks with him in the next 24 hours.
[ Massimo Ambrosini looks like he will end his long association with AC Milan in the summer
AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini's agent plays down West Ham talk
Massimo-Ambrosini-looks-like-he-will-end-his-long-association-with-AC-Milan-in-the-summer Massimo Ambrosini looks like he will end his long association with AC Milan in the summer
The 35-year-old is nearing the end of his career although made 24 appearances last season.
Reports in Italy indicate he is being lined up with a move away from the San Siro, but Ambrossini's agent, Moreno Roggi, denied he has held talks with West Ham.
"Yesterday I was in London, but I have not spoken with West Ham," Roggi's agent told Italian website Tuttomercatoweb.
"The situation of my client has not changed – everything remains open.
“Even a renewal with Milan is possible.
West Ham, Massimo Ambrosini, AC MilanWest Ham have already agreed a deal for Razvan Rat
“The player appeals to many clubs abroad though, especially North America."
West Ham have already agreed a one-year deal for Razvan Rat who passed his medical.
West Ham United re-enter Douglas race
Douglas
.
The 25-year-old, who will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires next month, is also being chased by Liverpool, Newcastle United and Lazio.
According to talkSPORT, the Sam Allardyce is looking to bolster his defence in the summer, naming Douglas as his number-one target.
The Brazilian-born defender has a Dutch passport, so would not require a work permit if he was to move to the Premier League.
He arrived at De Grolsch Veste from Joinville in his homeland 2007, going on to establish himself as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie.
Kevin Nolan wants West Ham to target European place next season
West Ham midfielder Kevin Nolan
Kevin Nolan has urged West Ham to bring in some big name signings during the summer and give them every chance of challenging for a European spot.
The east London club enjoyed a solid season back in the Premier League and managed to secure a top 10 finish.
Sam Allardyce has wasted no time strengthening his squad with the signing of Romania captain Razvan Rat and hopes to conclude a £15m deal for Liverpool forward Andy Carroll.
We want to push on and get into cup finals and push for Europa (League)— Kevin Nolan
With Allardyce also pledging his long-term future by signing a new two-year deal last week, Nolan feels everything is in place to enjoy bigger things over the next few years and hopes they can attract more quality players over the summer.
The West Ham captain said: "We are glad he (Allardyce) has signed his deal now because we feel as a squad we can move forward and hopefully with a few new faces in the summer we can kick on again.
"If he gets the chance here to bring in the players he wants and the quality he wants I am sure we'll be playing for the higher echelons of the Premier League and that is what the fans want and I think that is what the owners want. We have to make sure we finish in the top ten again.
"We want to push on and get into cup finals and push for Europa (League) because that is what myself and Sam produced at Bolton and with the quality we have got in the squad we can get this club back to where it belongs."
West Ham line up move for Spanish star
Real Betis star Benat
West Ham could hijack Athletic Bilbao's move for Real Betis midfielder Benat.
talkSPORT told you earlier this month that Athletic were nearing a deal for the 26-year-old, who has been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City in recent months.
But the Betis man, who is out of contract next year, has not put pen to paper yet and West Ham are considering a late move.
The Hammers have scouted him several times in recent weeks and will send club representatives to watch him during Betis' penultimate match of the season against Real Zaragoza on Sunday.
Benat, who hails from the Basque region of Spain, has scored four goals and set up eight more in the league this season.
Aston Villa's Darren Bent on the substitutes bench.
West Ham, Fulham and Liverpool in running to sign Aston Villa misfit
Transfer news: West Ham and Fulham are believed to be among the clubs alerted by news that Aston Villa will sell striker Darren Bent this summer and take a considerable hit in the pocket.
The 29-year-old is the Villans record signing but has fallen out of favour under manager Paul Lambert and is set to be sold off for far less than the £18million the west Midlands side paid Sunderland for him.
The Birmingham Mail today confirmed that the forward will be allowed to leave despite having two years on his current deal.
Liverpool appear top the list but West Ham could make a bid if their endeavours to sign Andy Carroll from the Reds comes to nothing.
Fulham, Hull and Cardiff have also been linked for the Tooting-born hitman who has also played for Charlton and Tottenham.
West Ham United's Guy Demel (left) and Reading's Nick Blackman jump for a high ball during the Barclays Premier League match at Upton Park, London.
May blossoms once again for West Ham full backs
On May 19, 2012 there was a sense of relief for West Ham as they secured their place back in the Premier League with a play-off final win, and exactly a year on, full backs Guy Demel and Joey O’Brien were in a mood to celebrate again.
The Hammers had secured manager Sam Allardyce’s season-long aim of 10th spot after the weekend’s 4-2 win over relegated Reading and both full backs enjoyed a solid season back in the top flight.
“When we started pre-season, 10th place was the main goal when the gaffer sat us down in Portugal. We are really proud of ourselves because we have achieved our goal. It wasn’t easy but the season was a good one,” said Demel.
“Everyone who has come in has given their best and we have to carry on working hard because next season is going to be harder.
“We will try to enjoy what we have achieved this season now, but next season will be different.”
Left back O’Brien added: “Last season it was a sense of relief whereas today we can celebrate.
“We couldn’t really celebrate last season, it was just utter relief that we were back in the Premier League. It’s a different feeling, but we are celebrating now.”
There was a sense of relief though for Demel, having missed much of his first season with the Hammers through injury, the Ivory Coast international went on to make 32 appearances in claret and blue this term.
And despite many believing he has enjoyed a solid season in the West Ham defence, Demel expects more from himself next season.
“I think it was a good first season in the Premier League for me, it was difficult for me last year as I went through some bad injuries,” he said.
“The season was pretty good and it was a good achievement for us. On the pitch you can feel the difference, so it was pretty easy for me to come back.
“I wasn’t at my best though and I promise I will be much better next season.
“I have played many games and I have had some good games as well so I am happy with that, but without my team-mates that wouldn’t be possible.”
For O’Brien it has been another season at left back, but you won’t see the Irishman complaining.
“The whole season has been great,” said the 27-year-old.
“It probably took me a few games to settle in at left back, but after playing the first couple of matches I was able to settle in to it and I knew what I was doing.
“I have managed to stay there most of the season and that was pleasing for me.”
There is likely to be competition for both the full backs next season as Allardyce looks to strengthen, but it seems that in Demel and O’Brien, the boss has two players that will never let him down.
Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen, 27, has emerged as a surprise target for Italian side Napoli.
talkSPORT
Thomas Vermaelen has won 42 caps for Belgium
French club Monaco are considering a £26m move for Manchester City's 27-year-old captain Vincent Kompany.
Full story: L'Equipe (in French)
Chelsea are weighing up a move for Galatasaray's 27-year-old striker Burak Yilmaz, who has scored 32 goals this season.
Metro
Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, 24, is staying at Manchester City this summer - despite efforts from Real Madrid to lure him to Spain.
Mirror
Paris St-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 31, could be set for a summer move to Manchester City or Chelsea.
Daily Star
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is considering a cut-price move for 25-year-old Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas.
Express
GLOBAL GOSSIP (sourced by BBC Monitoring)
Monaco have signed Porto midfielders Joao Moutinho, 26 and James Rodriguez, 21, for a combined fee of £60m.
A Bola (in Portuguese)
Arsenal target Serge Aurier, 20, says he will not leave Toulouse "unless something crazy happens". Several French clubs are also believed to be interested in the Ivorian defender.
sport24.com
AC Milan supporters' group Curva Sud strongly oppose the rumoured appointment of former Netherlands international Clarence Seedorf, 37, as manager, on account of his lack of experience.
corriere.it (in Italian)
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has denied the club has made contact with former Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri, 51.
lastampa.it (in Italian)
Manchester City's manager-in-waiting Manuel Pellegrini, 59, has been set a target of five trophies in as many years - including the Champions League.
Mirror
Midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 25, has told how his furious Everton manager David Moyes gave all the other players and staff the day off and had him in for a one-on-one training session after he headbutted Stoke's Ryan Shawcross in December.
Mirror
Midfielder Kevin Nolan, 30, has urged West Ham to bring in some big-name signings during the summer to give them a chance of challenging for a European spot.
talkSPORT [color=#0000FF]
Tickets for the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich at Wembley are selling for up to £14,000 each on the black market.
Metro
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, 40, says he is only interested in bringing "winners" to Anfield this summer.
Liverpool Echo
Pop band One Direction have followed up their recent hijacking of Newcastle's training session by interrupting a Real Madrid workout - in order to meet star defender Sergio Ramos.[/color]
MAARTEN STEKELENBURG could snub a move to Fulham and stick with Roma, claims his agent.
The goalkeeper, 30, has been left out of Roma’s squad for Sunday’s Coppa Italia final amid reports his £4million switch to London is nearly complete.
But agent Rob Jansen said: “Maarten’s still happy with Roma so we’ll see. It can go either way.”
CARDIFF are set to launch a shock £3.5million bid for Danny Graham.
The former Swansea striker, 27, has failed to score in 13 games at Sunderland after arriving for £5m in January.
Cardiff boss Malky Mackay remains keen after giving Graham his big break in 2009, signing the ex-roofer at Watford.
SAN LORENZO plan to take defender Fabricio Coloccini, 31, home to Argentina.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew still hopes to keep hold of his captain.
But San Lorenzo president Matias Lammens said: “I aim to meet Fabricio and talk about the conditions of his arrival.”
COVENTRY are planning to ground-share with League One rivals Walsall for three years.
The Sky Blues are trying to secure a deal to play their home games at the Banks’ Stadium while they build a new ground — Highfield II.
City were booted out of the Ricoh Arena after a rent row with the stadium owners.
PFA chief Clarke Carlisle has hung up his boots. The Northampton centre-back played 542 times for teams including Burnley, QPR and Blackpool.
Carlisle, 33, said: “It wasn’t an easy decision — but my body can’t do what I want any more.”
He must also stand down as PFA chairman as he is no longer a professional footballer.
HAROLD REDWANKER wants Richard Dunne to lead QPR back to the Prem.
The Rangers boss is keen to offer the Irish defender, 33, a two-year deal after his release by Aston Villa.
An insider said: “Harold has made his approach and is confident a deal will be done. He tried to sign Richard for Spurs from Manchester City.”
WEST HAM hope to beat Liverpool, Lazio and Newcastle to FC Twente defender Douglas.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce can get the Brazilian ace, 25, on a free next month after missing out on him last season.
DAVE WHELAN still hopes he can convince boss Roberto Martinez to stay at Wigan.
Martinez has delayed his decision on whether to leave the FA Cup winners until Monday.
Owner Whelan said: “If he wanted to move he would’ve said ‘I’m going’. It is nothing to do with his personal benefit.”
http://cdn.mature-beauty.com/pics/2012- ... _02big.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
