Birmingham City have opened talks with West Ham United for striker Carlton Cole.

The Daily Mail says Cole, 26, was not included in Fabio Capello's 30-man provisional England World Cup squad following a season ravaged by injuries, in which he scored just 10 goals.

Hammers co-owner David Sullivan last month revealed that every player at Upton Park - except the club's player of the year Scott Parker - is up for sale and Alex McLeish has responded with an immediate end of season bid for Cole, who is valued at £10million.

With West Ham looking to reduce their mounting debts this summer, high-earner Cole could be the first playing casualty after boss Gianfranco Zola was sacked on Monday.