Carlton Cole is thought to be the subject of a bid from Birmingham City
WEST HAM face a battle to keep hold of last season's leading scorer Carlton Cole this summer after reports emerged that Liverpool and Aston Villa have joined Birmingham City in the race for the striker's signature.
Reports suggest the Hammers have knocked back a £10million bid from Birmingham in the hope of attracting improved bids from other teams.
Cole, who missed out on England manager Fabio Capello's provisional World Cup squad, is one of the players club owners David Gold and David Sullivan are willing to offload, with a view to generate substantial funds for signings this summer.
The Daily Mirror claims both Liverpool and Aston Villa have joined the hunt for Cole, 26, although Birmingham could yet raise their bid.
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