If they can persuade him to drop down into the Championship, Bournemouth could take Carlton Cole for £1million this week.
The 30-year-old was initially released by West Ham United at the end of his contract last summer, but they then performed a u-turn and handed him a fresh 18-month deal following an injury to Andy Carroll. And with the latter sidelined again in the opening weeks of this term, Cole has started both Premier League matches this season.
Indeed, the former England international, who won seven caps, was on the scoresheet in the 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday, but he will likely lose his place when summer signings Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho are match-fit. And with Argentine ace Mauro Zarate also impressing, Sam Allardyce deems Cole to be surplus to requirements.
Bournemouth, who received £5million from the sale of Adam Lallana from Southampton to Liverpool, are keen to add the striker to their squad as they look to continue their promising start to the campaign. Although they have lost their last two outings, they won their first two and Eddie Howe’s side have showed signs they could cause a surprise this term.
It is believed the Cherries have made a £1million offer for Cole, and the Hammers are happy to let him leave at such a price. However, according to reports, the player is reluctant to drop down into the second-tier, whilst The Mirror claim he is also unwilling to take a cut in his Upton Park salary, which is in the region of £25,000-per-week.
The summer transfer window will remain open until 11pm on Monday 1 September, so Howe will hope to hold discussions and persuade Cole to make the move to Dean Court during the course of the week. Should he manage to do so, then he could even hand him a debut when they travel to Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.
