Carlton Cole delivers verdict on reports West Ham are looking to sign two attacking stars

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Carlton Cole has told TalkSPORT (Monday, 8.30am) that the signing of Said Benrahma will get West Ham supporters off their seats, and also backed a move to bring in Joshua King from Bournemouth before Friday’s deadline.

Benrahma, 25, is enjoying a burgeoning reputation after having a hand in 27 goals during the 2019-20 campaign – helping Brentford reach the Championship play-off final. He has been linked with the majority of the Premier League.

Arsenal and Chelsea were linked earlier in the window while more recently, Leeds and Palace have been touted as possible moves. But Sky Sports claim West Ham have now agreed a £30million deal for the Algeria international.

The report also states that West Ham have seen a £13million bid rejected for Bournemouth striker Josh King, with the Norwegian in the final year of his contract. Cole is excited by Benrahma and also backed a move for King.

“At the start of the window, everyone was saying here we go then. Sometimes you’ve got to be patient,” Cole said. “If we get Benrahma, he will be a great signing for the club – he’s the playmaker we’ve been looking for.

TBR’s view – King and Benrahma would appease Hammers fans

Understandably, fans remain fuming with their owners at a lack of investment – and the decision to sell Grady Diangana on a permanent basis, a decision which prompted an angry social media reaction from captain Mark Noble.

But bringing in Benrahma would be an immediate replacement for Diangana – certainly, an improvement. King would provide competition up front but also offer cover in the 10 role and out wide too. Both signings would appease the criticism from fans.