Cole, 22, came through the junior ranks, making his first team debut at the age of 18 but has found it difficult though to break into the mega-rich
Cole has signed a four-year deal at West Ham to become Alan Pardew's third summer signing.
His capture will provide ideal competition for strikers Dean Ashton, Marlon Harewood, Bobby Zamora and Teddy Sheringham as the Hammers look forward to European action this season.