Thursday, March 28, 2024

Joe Cole to seek pastures new; Emnes, Mbia keen on staying put

West Ham United F.C. midfielder Joe Cole will be a free agent when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.

West Ham United F.C. midfielder Joe Cole will be a free agent when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.

The former England international, 32, joined the Hammers on a free transfer from Liverpool in January 2013 and has gone on to net four goals in 37 appearances in all competitions during his second stint at Upton Park.

However, Cole gradually fell out-of-favour with manager Sam Allardyce as the 2013/14 campaign progressed, with his last start coming in the 3-0 Capital One Cup defeat to Manchester City on 21 January.

His last Premier League start was at home to West Bromwich Albion on 28 December.

A lack of first-team opportunities has led the 32-year-old midfielder to seek pastures new this summer.

“I’m a free agent now and I’m looking for a new club,” Cole said.

“My relationship with West Ham is great, but obviously it didn’t work towards the end of this season and I didn’t play enough.

“So, I’m just going to take my time over the summer and find the right fit.

“At this stage of my career, finances are not important for me. I want to enjoy my football, I want to compete and I just want to play more.”

Possible destinations for Cole include newly promoted sides Burnley and Leicester City as well as 2013/14 ninth-placed finishers Stoke City.

Mbia would welcome Sevilla stay

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Stephane Mbia, who is currently plying his trade at Sevilla, has revealed he is ‘fine’ at Sevilla amid reports linking him with a shock move to Liverpool.

The Cameroon international, 27, endured a nightmare 2012/13 season with the Super Hoops but has returned to his best at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán this term.

The Championship play-off final could determine whether or not Mbia will return to QPR… That said, he is likely to receive offers from bigger European clubs in the summer, and understandably so when considering his recent purple patch of form.

“I am fine in Sevilla,” Mbia told France Football.

“We will see after the Europa League final.”

Emnes wants Premier League football

Middlesbrough forward Marvin Emnes has expressed his desire to stay in the English Premier League next season.

The 25-year-old Dutchman, who joined Swansea City on loan in January, was a revelation at the Liberty Stadium, winning over the club’s loyal supports with a series of impressive cameos at the tail-end of the campaign.

Swansea are reportedly keen on securing a permanent deal for Emnes in the summer, much to the delight of the pacy forward.

“It’s always nice to play in the Premier League, and that has always been my ambition,” Emnes told the South Wales Evening Post.

“I had a good time with Middlesbrough, and I’m having a really good time with Swansea at the moment.

“I would like to stay in the Premier League, so wherever that is going to take me, I hope that is what happens.”

Emnes bagged one goal in seven league appearances, including two starts, for the Swans in 2014.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Etemadi


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