Trevor Brooking intrigued by Joe Cole return

Former West Ham United captain Trevor Brooking has admitted that he is intrigued by Joe Cole's return to the club.

The 31-year-old left Upton Park for Chelsea in 2003, but he signed an 18-month deal with the Hammers from Liverpool on Friday.

"Joe has always had a soft spot for the club and been a popular figure for fans," Brooking, who briefly managed Cole in 2003, told The Sun. "It'll be interesting to see how he comes back now he is experienced rather than a emerging star.

"Let's hope we can give him a good late spell in his career as there is a lot of affinity between him and the fans."

Friday also saw West Ham complete the loan signing of Arsenal forward Marouane Chamakh until the end of the season.