West Ham United 'hunting for out-of-contract striker'

West Ham United are reportedly searching for a new striker following the breakdown in the free transfer of Carlton Cole.

It emerged today that the forward had failed his medical ahead of a return to Upton Park, with an offer of a short-term contract on the table.

According to the Daily Star, the son of co-chairman David Sullivan, Jack, wrote on Twitter: "Cole is not fit enough to offer a contract. But he's thinking over getting fit with us and improving his fitness. We are looking at other non contract players."

Hammers manager Sam Allardyce currently has Andy Carroll and Modibo Maiga as his attacking options.