Former Chelsea and West Ham striker Carlton Cole is being lined up for a return to English football.

The Sun says Birmingham City and Hull have both registered an interest in signing Cole to help boost the Championship survival hopes.

Cole, 34, is a free agent and is on the verge of agreeing a deal with AFC Wimbledon after spending the past fortnight training with the League One club.

But Hull and Birmingham have both taken interest now the former West Ham and Chelsea player has proven his fitness levels after scoring within five minutes of an under-23 game for Wimbledon last week.

Both clubs know they are embroiled in a desperate battle to ensure they are not relegated down to League One.