Liverpool's Joe Cole scores the his sides second goal against his former team, beating West Ham United defenders Winston Reid (left) and Joey O'Brien during the Barclays Premier League match at Upton Park, London

West Ham swoop to sign Cole from Liverpool

Dave Evans, West Ham Correspondent Thursday, January 3, 2013
2:19 PM

Former Hammer Joe Cole jumps at the chance to rejoin West Ham in time for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United

West Ham United's Joe Cole is stopped by Jokerit's Rami Rantanen

West Ham have moved early in the transfer window to secure the signatuire of former Hammer Joe Cole on a free transfer.

And he is set to begin his new life at Upton Park by lining up against Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup third round showdown.

The 31-year-old was linked with a move to Harry Redknapp’s QPR, but when West Ham showed an interest he jumped at the chance of returning to the club where he made his name.

The deal seems to be a bargain one for the Hammers. They will reputedly pay the midfield star £30,000 a week, but Liverpool will also give him £3 million to get him off their books.

Young Joe Cole and Rio ferdinand

A schoolboy prodigy, Cole made his first-team debut at the age of 17 and became something of a sensation at Upton Park.

He made 144 apperances in claret and blue, scoring 13 goals, before he was controversially sold to Chelsea in August 2003.

His move to Liverpool in 2010 did not go well and he was shipped out to French League side Lille last season for what proved a largely successful campaign.

He returned to Anfield in the summer to try and fight his way into the team of new boss Brendan Rodgers, but has spent much of this season on the bench.

He did score against West Ham at Upton Park last month after coming off the bench to help turn round a 2-1 deficit as Liverpool won 3-2 and he will be looking to make the same sort of impact on Saturday.

He underwent a medical on Wednesday, before agreeing personal terms and signing a two-and-a-half year deal which will allow him to return to his native London.

He was training with his new team-mates yesterday (Thursday) and may even start on Saturday.