- Premier League
West Ham decline Liverpool's £9m Cole bid

West Ham United have turned down a deadline day £9 million bid from Liverpool for England striker Carlton Cole.
West Ham rejected the offer, which they had been expecting for some time, because it came too late and left them no chance of signing a replacement.
Roy Hodgson has been desperately searching for a new striker, thwarted in several attempts to buy a player from abroad, and when he finally went for Cole it was unacceptable for the Hammers.
Sunderland and Stoke also bid £9 million, plus £3 million in add-ons, for Cole, but the centre forward would only have quit Upton Park for a bigger club.
West Ham were made aware of Liverpool's interest, initially reported exclusively by Soccernet, only tentatively through third parities.
Ryan Babel had been tipped to sign for the Hammers in a swap deal, but he now seems set to head for Tottenham in a £10 million transfer.
West Ham are also interested in signing a goalkeeper and Roma's Brazilian No. 2 Doni is top of their wishlist.
The 30-year-old has been told he can leave Italy with Bogdan Lobonc and Julio Sergio favoured between the posts for the Serie A side and could arrive at Upton Park on loan. Doni has also been linked with Portuguese side Benfica and Manchester City as well.
Two players who will not be leaving Upton Park are Scott Parker and Matthew Upson, who have committed their futures to the club, for the time being at least.
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
