Glenn
Roeder has confirmed that West Ham are set to hold talks
with England midfielder Joe Cole about an extension
to his current contract.
The
20-year-old has two years remaining on his current
Upton Park contract but, after tying the trio of Trevor
Sinclair, Ian Pearce and Steve Lomas to new deals
last week, manager Roeder admits he is also keen to
open talks with Cole.
Roeder also revealed that the club are keen to tie
emerging talent Jermain Defoe to a new contract.
He said: "We're going to talk to Joe in the near
future about extending that deal.
"We are delighted to have agreed new contracts
with Trevor Sinclair, Steve Lomas and Ian Pearce and
we're very hopeful Jermain Defoe will also be signing
a new deal soon.
"Joe's looked electric in pre-season and he was
again outstanding in the first half against Vitesse
Arnhem on Friday."
He added in the Evening Standard: "He's vital
to our plans for the future and with him, Michael
Carrick and Trevor Sinclair in our midfield for next
season, it bodes well for the club."
