West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has again dismissed rumours that star striker Carlton Cole could be sold in the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old England international has netted six times for the Hammers this season, with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal linked with interest in the powerful frontman.

However, Zola told reporters:"This year we are scoring more than we did last year so I think we are improving there, but we all know Carlton Cole is an important player for this team, not only for his goals but for his presence.

"We are very happy with him and we are going to help him keep scoring the way he is scoring.

"I know Carlton is happy here. I know the club have no intention of selling any of our important players.

"There is a lot of speculation and I know that a lot of messages coming out are not true. I don't want to pay attention to it.

"It's been 13 or 14 months that I've been in charge and it's never stopped."

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