West Ham striker hints at summer exit

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has his sights set on a move away from Upton Park this summer, as reported by London 24.

The 31-year-old has spent nine years with the Hammers after signing from Chelsea in 2006.

But the former England international has hinted that his long spell with West Ham is nearing an end after entertaining the idea of playing for Brentford in the future, which is where he grew up as youngster.

He told Sky Sports: “I grew up around the corner from Griffin Park.

“I used to live on the eighth floor and see the fans walk past my flat. I wanted to be that person for them to come and watch me play one day.

“I’ll have a little butchers you know. They’re going alright at the moment and they hold a little soft spot in my heart so you never know.”

Cole almost left the club in January but a deadline day switch to West Brom was scrapped at the very last minute after the Hammers failed in their attempts to sign Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor.

Cole has made 283 first team appearances for West Ham since 2003, scoring 68 goals – his most famous goal arguably being the one that sent West Ham on their way to victory in their 2012 Championship play-off final victory over Blackpool at Wembley.