The former West Ham United and England striker had been a free agent after leaving Celtic earlier this summer.

Former West Ham United and Celtic striker Carlton Cole is set to continue his career in the US third tier.

The 32-year-old ex-England international, who was released by Celtic in June after spending eight months at Parkhead, has joined USL side Sacramento Republic FC on a deal for the remainder of the 2016 campaign and will begin training with his new club from 16 August.

Speaking to Republic FC’s official website, head coach Paul Buckle said: “Cole needs no introduction. In terms in what he has does in the game, he has played at the highest level throughout his career and it shows he is a top player and very good professional.

“When he became available, we realized the good he can bring, his invaluable experience and that he can score goals.”

This content could not be loaded BREAKING: Republic FC sign Premier League veteran @CarltonCole1. Read: https://t.co/nYj7r42CCZ pic.twitter.com/V8tlERMZJ6 — Republic FC (@SacRepublicFC) August 9, 2016

Cole netted just once in five total appearances for Celtic after joining the Scottish giants on a free transfer in October, failing to impress before being deemed surplus to requirements following Brendan Rodgers’ appointment as manager earlier this summer.

Before his Bhoys spell, the former Chelsea youngster enjoyed a nine-year stint with West Ham, bagging 68 goals in 293 games across all competitions, while also earning seven England caps between 2009 and 2010.

He managed to score just twice in 23 Premier League matches during his final season with the Hammers, however, and struggled to find a new club following his departure from Upton Park last summer until linking up with Celtic.

The London native revealed at the time that he had turned down a move to MLS in order to join the Scottish champions, but interest in his signature from US top-flight sides appears to have faded over the last 10 months.

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