Carlton Cole having West Ham United medical

Carlton Cole has started a medical ahead of a return to West Ham United.

The 29-year-old, who had spent the previous seven seasons at Upton Park, was released by the Hammers in July.

However, manager Sam Allardyce was unable to land another centre-forward during the summer transfer window, which closed last night. As a result, he has turned to Cole, who is still without a club.

"Striker @CarltonCole1 is having a medical on Tuesday with view to re-joining West Ham United," read a statement on the club's Twitter feed.

Cole is able to sign for a club outside of the transfer window due to his status as a free agent.