Promotion hopefuls Palace eyeing castaway Cole

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway is eyeing a summer move for out-of-contract West Ham striker Carlton Cole, according to reports today.

The 29 year old looks set to leave the club, with both the player's representatives and Hammers boss Sam Allardyce last month denying reports that ex England striker Cole had been offered what reports today describe as a 'lucrative new deal' to stay at the club, and Eagles chief Holloway looks set to pounce, as long as his Palace side win their Championship play off final against Watford later this month.

The former Blackpool manager praised Cole after his side were defeated by West Ham in last season's Championship play off final, saying 'Carlton Cole was the difference- I'm a big fan of that lad. If he'd been more consistent, he'd have been England's centre forward for a long time to come.'

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling

Ciao Carlton: striker set for Boleyn Ground farewell on Sunday

West Ham striker Carlton Cole will make his last appearance in a Hammers shirt this Sunday against Reading, according to the Sun.

Irons boss Sam Allardyce hinted yesterday of his desire to trim the West Ham squad ahead of next season, and ex Chelsea forward Cole, 29, looks set to be the first to go.

The newspaper claims that the striker, who has been at Upton Park since 2006, rejected a new contract last season after taking a 50% wage cut to stay at the East London club following Premier League relegation in 2011.

Cole's representatives, meanwhile, last month denied that there had been any contact from the club over a new deal for the former England striker after reports that the club had offered the big number nine a new contract, with a deadline of the final day of the season.

Crystal Palace are said to be interested in signing Cole and may well make an approach for the out of contract striker if they win their upcoming Championship play-off final against Watford on May 27.

By Alex Shilling, News Editor

@alexshilling