Source: Team_Talk
Grant keen to keep Cole on board
West Ham boss Avram Grant has expressed his determination to hold onto Carlton Cole this summer in the wake of interest from Stoke.[LNB] Stoke have been tracking Cole all summer and, although Tony Pulis on Saturday denied having a bid rejected for the striker, he is thought to regard the former Chelsea man highly.[LNB]It was believed West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan saw Cole as a saleable asset and one they could move on this summer to fund their own big-money bids for the likes of Loic Remy.[LNB]However, Cole has been in red-hot form in the Hammers' new 4-3-3 formation this summer and Grant would prefer to keep the England international at Upton Park.[LNB]"I don't want to sell Carlton," said Grant, who is also determined to keep Scott Parker at the club.[LNB]"He is working very hard. His attitude is good. He is a good player. Against Ipswich, he was in the right place at the right time again. [LNB]"I think the new system has helped him. We also have a team that know how to play football so they can give him the pass at the right time. [LNB]"If you look at all the goals we have scored this summer, all the goals came from combinations between many players in the team. Of course it is good for him."
