Greek Super League outfit PAOK Thessaloniki are exploring ways to sign the Anglo - Nigerian striker Carlton Cole, whose contract with West Ham runs out at the end of this season.

Gazzetta.gr with reference to Sports of the North is reporting that the leadership of PAOK has highlighted Cole's name with a marker as a possible reinforcement in the summer transfer market which opens in the coming weeks.

This season, the arrival of Liverpool misfit Andy Carrol has curtailed Cole's progress with The Hammers.

The 29 - year - old ex Chelsea trainee has started only 14 matches in the English Premier League.

Carlton Cole, who has been at West Ham since the start of the 2006 - 2007 season, has repeatedly stated that he would love to continue playing for the Londoners next season.

Photo Credit:  fifa.neoseeker.com