Andy Carroll has given West Ham a huge fitness boost.
The striker has been rehabilitating in Belgium and Holland following a foot injury which has kept him out all season and is likely to be back in London next week to begin running.
A comeback date is still some way off and the club look certain to sign at least one striker during the January transfer window.
The chances of Jermain Defoe going back to his former club appear to be fading, with the Tottenham striker a target for MLS side Toronto.
Another Spurs frontman, Emmanuel Adebayor, Everton’s Nikica Jelavic and Lyon’s Bafetimbi Gomis are all thought to be possible targets.
Meanwhile, Joe Cole’s future at West Ham is in doubt following reports he felt humiliated after being substituted before half-time against Chelsea on Saturday. There were even suggestions that Cole, who joined the club for a second time in January 2013 on a free transfer from Liverpool, could even leave next month.
Cole, 32, is a firm favourite at Upton Park and there were boos when he and Jack Collison were taken off after 40 minutes against Chelsea, with West Ham already 2-0 down. A furious Cole headed straight down the tunnel.
West Ham seemed to be a perfect move for the former England star when he returned to the club at which he began his career and he started this season in fine style, scoring in the 2-0 opening day win over Cardiff. Soon after that, he sustained a hamstring injury and has since been unable to reclaim a regular first-team place.
Cole’s contract is up for renewal in the summer but today’s reports suggest his future may even be decided before then.
