Liverpool have joined the battle for West Ham United striker Carlton Cole.

The Mirror says Hammers co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are understood to have been in touch with a string of agents in an attempt to get the best possible deal for the player.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been a big fan of Cole for some time and, in the last week, the club have contacted West Ham about putting together a deal.

Liverpool too have expressed an interest and remain keen despite the fact that Cole has been left out of Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup.