Liverpool keen to snap up £10m Premier League forward

Rafa Benitez is reportedly ready to join the race for West Ham forward Carlton Cole.

The Liverpool boss is frantically looking for attacking additions to help assist Fernando Torres up front and believes that the England international could be the perfect foil for their star striker.

Cole has been in fine form at Upton Park for the best part of two seasons and has been heavily linked with moves to a number of Premier League clubs including the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham and Arsenal.

The 26 year old former Chelsea man has had an injury hit season but still remains the clubs leading scorer by some margin and has become indispensable to Gianfranco Zola.

However a very poor season for the Hammers, where relegation has only narrowly been averted, could lead to many top stars considering moves elsewhere.

Cole's abilities as a hold up player and his willingness to put in a tireless performance may be attributes that sit well alongside the explosive threat posed by Fernando Torres.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.