West Ham United Manager Gianfranco Zola Issues 'Hands Off' Warning On Carlton Cole

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has put up a roadblock to potential buyers of Carlton Cole, declaring that the 26-year-old couldn’t be happier at Upton Park and will not be going anywhere.

The Italian boss has poured water on the suggestion that Cole could move to Manchester United or Liverpool, with both clubs expressing their interest for the striker.

“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,” Zola told the Press Association.

“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.”

The 43-year-old added that the constant rumours surrounding his star players would not weigh him down.

“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,” he said.

Omar Dabbagh, Goal.com UK