Transfer Gossip: Bolton Look to Sign Former West Ham Striker

According to reports in The Sun, Bolton Wanderers are keen on signing free agent Carlton Cole.

Cole, 31, was released by West Ham United in the summer after nine years at Upton Park. In total, Cole played 293 times for West Ham, scoring 68 goals.

Carlton Cole started his career with Chelsea, scoring 8 goals in 32 appearances, and also has a Premier League winners medal from his time at Stamford Bridge. Cole also has seven caps for England, but no goals.

Carlton Cole has been training with Neil Lennon's former club, Celtic FC, for the past two weeks. The Scottish Sun has claimed that Cole is getting frustrated "with the prolonged negotiations" with Celtic, and that he is considering other options within the UK and abroad.

It is also thought that Sunderland have taken an interest in Cole, as Big Sam looks to start putting his stamp on the Wearside club.

Bolton have been looking for a new striker for weeks, and have failed in loan moves for Marvin Emnes from Swansea City, Victor Anichebe from West Bromwich Albion, Igor Vetokele from Charlton and Yann Kermorgant from AFC Bournemouth. It is also thought that former Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi failed in a trail with the Trotters.

Whether Cole's fitness is up to scratch remains to be seen. And his goal record isn't great. But with lot's of top flight and international experience, Carlton Cole may well be a welcome addition to a struggling Bolton side.

We've been nominated for the best Club Football Blog in the Football Blogging Awards. We'd really like your support in this, so please vote for us by tweeting 'I'm voting in @TheFBAs for @LionOfViennaSte as the Best Football #Club Blog,' or follow this link. If you do not have Twitter follow this link to vote!