West Ham have insisted that they had not given up hope of bringing Joe Cole and Thierry Henry to the club. David Gold, the club’s co-chairman, has targeted Cole after Chelsea decided not to extend the former West Ham midfielder’s stay.

While Arsenal look to be favourites to sign Cole, Gold insisted he would not interrupt Cole’s England preparations. He said: “We, as much as anyone, want England to do well so there’s absolutely no chance of us talking to Joe during the World Cup. After that, it’s a different matter.”

But he added: “When it comes to big transfers we don’t like to leave any stone unturned. The chance of getting Cole is 10-1. We probably won’t get him but the offer is still there.”

West Ham will also pursue Barcelona striker Henry, with Gold adding: “There is the same chance of Henry coming but we will try.”

One former Premier League played who could return to England is Uruguay’s Diego Forlan. The former Manchester United striker, said: “If a big chance to return to England came up, I would have to look at it.’’

Another World Cup player set to move is Serbia’s midfielder, Milos Krasic, who would prefer a switch to an Italian club.

Currently playing for CSKA Moscow, the 25 year-old said: “Yes, I want to play in Italy, I don’t know what team, but I want to go there. I have heard about Juventus,” he said.

One World Cup player unsure of his future is Argentina’s Angel Di Maria.

However, the Portuguese champions Benfica insisted yesterday that they had received no offers from Real Madrid for the winger.

Reports in Portugal have claimed all week that he was heading for Madrid.

But Benfica issued a statement denying any move was imminent. It said: “There are no offers... particularly from Real Madrid or any intermediaries regarding the player Angel Di Maria.”