Kevin Nolan targets Carlton Cole as his first signing at Notts County

Kevin Nolan has inherited a difficult situation in early January when he was appointed manager of Notts County. The Magpies sit in 23rd in League Two, but their transfer embargo could finally be lifted in the next couple of days.

Nolan is keen to reunite with former West Ham teammate Carlton Cole, according to the Nottingham Post, should the embargo be lifted. Notts County are tied for second-fewest goals scored in the division, with 28 in 27 matches played, and could use the former England international in front of goal.

Cole has been training with West Ham since his release from Sacremento Republic in the USL, having played only 53 minutes for the American club. The 33-year-old striker last scored a goal in January 2016 for Celtic in the Scottish Football Association Cup against Stranraer.

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Nolan and Cole were teammates between 2011 and 2015 at West Ham, and were part of West Ham’s 2012 Championship Playoff success. When both Cole and Nolan left the club in 2015, it marked the true end of Sam Allardyce’s reign at West Ham.

"I know Coley, he's a great lad and would be a breath of fresh air for everyone,” Nolan said. "He's a top pro and a good player. If we can make it happen and the embargo gets lifted, we will try our best to make it happen.”

Notts County may not be the only offer Cole has on the table, but Nolan is still interested in his services. Cole was most prolific when with the Hammers, scoring 55 goals in 256 appearances.

"Coley and I have spoken and it would be fantastic if I could bring him in," Nolan said. "He's got a few things that are in the fire and the best thing for me would be to sit down with Coley and see what we can do.”