Gianfranco Zola is confident Carlton Cole will stay at West Ham United Football Club.

Liverpool and Manchester United are said to be interested in signing the in-form striker in the New Year, but Zola is sure the former Chelsea youngster will stay at Upton Park.

“We all know Carlton Cole is an important player for this team, not only for his goals but for his presence," said the Italian coach. "We are very happy with him. I know Carlton is happy here.

“I know the club have no intention of selling any of our important players. There is a lot of speculation and I know that a lot of messages coming out are not true.”

Get all the latest news on your club. Visit 360 Football, the best football news aggregator on the web!