Carlton Cole has revealed family reasons were behind his decision to reject a move to Stoke City earlier this summer.
Striker open to moves closer to home but remains a happy Hammer
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has revealed family reasons were behind his decision to reject a move to Stoke City earlier this summer.
The Potters had a bid, believed to be in the region of £6million, accepted in July but personal terms barely got off the ground.
The former Chelsea man, 27, is reluctant to leave London and a move up north to Staffordshire was never a feasible option for Cole and his family.
"I know a fee got accepted," he told the
Daily Mirror. "The position West Ham are in means I'm one of the saleable assets and they had to accept.
"But it was down to me and I didn't really want to move. It wasn't best for me and my family to go up north."
Cole, who has seven England caps, has scored two goals in four appearances in the Championship this season, but John Carew's arrival has threatened his place in the team.
Having repeatedly reiterated his desire to stay at Upton Park, Cole admits he may be forced to seriously consider the next offer, should one come about.
He added: "I'll think about what's on offer but I'm scoring goals and I'm happy where I am."
