West Ham chase Henry and Cole

France striker Thierry Henry and England midfielder Joe Cole are both transfer targets for West Ham although the English Premier League side have admitted they are unlikely to land the two World Cup players.

Henry, 33, has been linked with a move away from Barcelona this summer while 28-year-old Cole, who began his career at West Ham before moving to Chelsea in 2003, is out of contract at Stamford Bridge and looking for a deal elsewhere.

West Ham co-chairman David Gold said the club have made offers to both players and expect to hear back from them after the World Cup. However, he is not expecting a positive response from former Arsenal striker Henry.

“We had a chat with him for a bit but it looks like he is going to be offered another contract,” said Gold.

“The offer is still on the table for him and it will be there for another two or three weeks.”

Gold said the club would not attempt to press forward with Cole’s offer while England were still involved in the World Cup.

“We, as much as anyone, want England to do well at the World Cup so there’s absolutely no chance of us talking to Joe during the World Cup,” he said.

“We wouldn’t do that during this very delicate period but after that, that’s a different matter.

“The chance of getting Cole is 10 to one and therefore there is a one in 10 chance of us getting him. We probably won’t get him but the offer is still there.”

Gold also ruled out the possibilty of England goalkeeper Robert Green leaving West Ham.

“He is a world class goalkeeper and we want him to stay with us,” said Gold.