The England striker now expects to recover full fitness in January, but has pledged to stay at Upton Park and help Gianfranco Zola to ease the club away from the relegation zone.

Cole said: “I haven’t heard anything about a move. I love West Ham. I just want to get back to playing and I can’t do anything while I’m injured.

“I have to build up the muscles and do some rigorous rehab work to protect the knee and it is going to be like that for the rest of my career.

“Hopefully, I will be back some time in January. I just need to get back fit and help the Hammers.”

After waiting four months for alberto Aquilani to make his debut, Rafael Benitez could hardly risk buying another expensive star that is still recieving treatment.

It also looked certain that Andrea Dossena would definitely be going back to Italy after publicly announcing that he wanted to leave on many ocassions, but now his agent says a move to Napoli is now on hold unless the Italians come up with a big cash offer to persuade Benitez to let him leave.

Dossena’s agent Roberto La Florio said: “The deal is on hold at the moment as the Reds will not let Dossena go unless they receive a good offer.

“We have to have patience because the situation may change. Napoli and Liverpool have to speak and reach a consensus.

“Napoli want the player, but we have to see what Liverpool say. Rafa Benitez could change his mind and agree to send Dossena on loan which is what De Laurentiis wants.”

Benitez needs cash to fund any purchases so I can’t see him agreeing to a loan deal for anyone at the moment.