Cole added to West Ham attack

West Ham United FC have bolstered their forward line with the signing of England Under-21 striker Carlton Cole from Chelsea FC for an undisclosed fee.

'Great compliment'
The 22-year-old has agreed a four-year contract, and will compete for a first-team place with Dean Ashton, Marlon Harewood, Bobby Zamora and Teddy Sheringham. Cole failed to establish himself at the Premiership champions after breaking into the first team back in the 2001/02 season and has had loan spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Charlton Athletic FC and Aston Villa FC. West Ham manager Alan Pardew said: "Several clubs came in for Carlton and it is a great compliment to what we have achieved here that he has signed for us. I believe we can bring the best out of him.”

Hislop departs
On a busy day, West Ham have also let veteran goalkeeper Shaka Hislop join United States side FC Dallas while ending their hunt for a new right-back with the signing of 23-year-old Tyrone Mears from Preston North End FC on a four-year contract for €1.4m, although that fee could double depending on appearances and international recognition. Pardew added: "Our search for new players is not over. I want our supporters to know there will be more signings in the coming weeks." The London club, who will enter the UEFA Cup in September's first round, have already acquired defender Jonathan Spector and midfielder Lee Bowyer this summer.