West Ham United are in advanced talks with Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni. The Guardian says any move may be dependent on how soon Carlton Cole returns from injury. The England striker limped out of West Ham's 5-3 win over Burnley at Upton Park on the weekend at half-time after suffering knee ligament damage, having earlier scored a seventh goal of the season.

Yet even if Cole does return over the coming month, Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham manager, may still move for Toni, with the club having engaged in talks with the player and his representatives for the past two weeks.

In January Toni will have around 18 months remaining of his four-year deal, which may make any potential fee nominal, should West Ham decide to firm up their interest with Bayern.