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West Ham United have released former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, whose contract expires on 30 June.

The 32-year-old made 25 appearances for the Hammers this season after joining the club for a second spell on an 18-month contract in January 2013.

The Londoners have also released defender George McCartney and midfielder Jack Collison.

Contract discussions with goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and midfielder Matt Taylor are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Hammers have exercised an option to extend the contract of defender Dan Potts.

"We 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."

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will stay in charge this season but the board have insisted on the recruitment of a new attacking coach "to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season".

A product of West Ham's youth academy, Cole signed professional terms in 1998 and helped the Hammers win the FA Youth Cup the following year.

During his first spell at Upton Park, he played alongside the likes of Paolo Di Canio, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Jermain Defoe, but he when the club was relegated.

Cole, who has been capped 56 times by England, won three Premier League titles and the FA Cup twice in a seven-year stay with the Blues.

After failing to agree a new contract but he struggled to impress at Anfield and spent 2011-12 on loan at French club Lille.