Liverpool are eyeing West Ham United striker Carlton Cole. The Daily Mail says with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard struggling through injuries, manager Rafa Benitez has been forced to rely on back-up strikers David Ngog and Andriy Voronin.

Cole's outstanding form has generated interest from home and abroad, particularly in view of the financial problems at Upton Park.

West Ham fought off bids for their top players in the summer but are braced for more pressure when the transfer window re-opens.

Cole, who is 26 tomorrow, has scored six in 11 Premier League games this season, including one against Liverpool in September.