Can Addicks Tempt Cole?

Charlton Athletic are believed to be one of a number of clubs who are trying to sign former Man Utd striker Andy Cole.

The 35-year-old has reached an amicable agreement with Portsmouth to have the final year of his contract torn up and he is now a free agent.

Charlton have expressed an interest in Cole, and Reading are also understood to be keen on the former Newcastle and Manchester United striker.

One thing that Alan Pardew cannot offer Cole is Premiership football and this seems to be the one thing in preventing a deal.

Cole has already admitted that he wants to stay a Premiership player and fire himself into the 200 goals club.

He said: 'It is a shame things haven't worked out at Portsmouth. But I'm relieved that it has been sorted out and I can now look forward again.

'I still have a hunger and a burning ambition to score 200 Premier League goals. I have scored goals throughout my career and I now have that added incentive of reaching another personal milestone.

'A number of clubs have shown interest in signing me both from the Premier League and the Championship. I hope to agree terms with a new club before the start of the season.'


Charlton are believed to be trying to persuade Cole that a move to The Valley will see him back in The Premiership next year. Alan Pardew hopes to add a goal scorer to his team after he released another veteran striker in Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and he sold Darren Bent to Tottenham.

Reports are suggesting that summer signing Luke Varney's ankle injury is more serious than first thought and Pards needs a new striker to replace the injured star.

Championship rivals Sheffield United have just signed James Beattie for £4million and with Billy Sharpe already signed up they look to have a very powerful strike force for next season.

Pardew does have strikers in numbers at his disposal but he is expected to go all out to try and sign Cole. Should he fail in his attempts a back up plan is in place by bringing Izale Mcleod in from Mk Dons.

Watch this space….