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Joe Cole to leave West Ham on free

West Ham have said that midfielders Joe Cole and Jack Collison, along with defender George McCartney, will leave on free transfers when their contracts expire at the end of June.

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The Hammers, who recently announced their decision to stick with manager Sam Allardyce but demand a more entertaining style of football, confirmed the news on their official website.

Midfielder Cole, in his second spell at West Ham -- the club at which he began his career -- has been linked with a move to an MLS club.

But the 32-year-old, who also played for Chelsea, Liverpool and Lille and moved back to Upton Park in January 2013, was reported as saying in the Mirror: "At my age, and where I am in my career, I want to enjoy my football.

"Finances are not important. I'm doing my coaching badges and will start my B-Licence, and I still want to play at the highest level."

A club statement said: "West Ham United would like to thank Joe, George and Jack for their considerable efforts and contribution to the success of the club in recent seasons and wish them well in their future careers."

The Hammers also confirmed that they are in talks with midfielder Matt Taylor and goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen about new deals.