Hammers want £20 million for Cole

West Ham will demand £20 million from Liverpool for Carlton Cole.

The Hammers are braced for the Reds to head a number of clubs making their move for the England striker in the January transfer window.
 
Although boss Gianfranco Zola is desperate to hang on to his star man, the London side are under pressure to sell in the New Year. 
 
They are now owned by Icelandic investment bank Straumur, who have to satisy creditors themselves.
 
Cole, who signed a new five-year contract last year, is not pressing for a move away as he dreams of making the England squad for next summer's World Cup finals.
 
Yet, he may have no choice but to move on as the Hammers attempt to bring in any funds they can.
 
Cole, who turns 26 today, has emerged as one of the Barclays Premier League top strikers after reigniting his career under former Chelsea team-mate Zola.
 
The Italian could also face bids for his other big names, notably Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Valon Behrami.
 
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