West Ham United have made a surprise move for Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole.
With Avram Grant now staying, the Israeli is driving the bid to bring Cole back to Upton Park.
The pair are close after Grant spent a year in charge of Cole at Chelsea. Troubled Grant believes Cole does not fit into new Kop boss Kenny Dalglish's plans.
An Upton Park insider told The Sun: "It's a long shot but Avram is determined to continue working normally.
"Joe did not play for Liverpool against Everton on Sunday.
"When Avram was sacked by Chelsea, Joe left him a very touching message about how much he had enjoyed working for him."