Tottenham have made contact with West Ham United for Carlton Cole.

The Daily Star says England striker Cole, 26, has been linked with Liverpool, Arsenal, Stoke and ­Birmingham, prompting boss Harry Redknapp to make an early approach.

Cole made an impressive start to last season, ending up with 10 goals as the ­Hammers just stayed up.

Harry Redknapp wants to boost his strike force ahead of Spurs' Champions League campaign and Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano and Palermo's Edinson Cavani also feature on his hitlist.