Joe Cole has reportedly turned down the chance to join West Ham United.

The Liverpool playmaker does not feature in manager Brendan Rodgers's plans but has rejected the opportunity of a fresh start at his boyhood club and will fight for his place at Anfield, according to Goal.com.

Cole currently earns around £5m per year and the Reds were keen to get the 30-year-old off the wage bill in order to free up funds for Rodgers.

However, Cole, who spent last season on loan at French side Lille, has opted to stay with the side he joined in 2010.