Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson is reportedly keen to bring ex-West Ham United and Celtic striker Carlton Cole to Selhurst Park in an emergency deal, following Christian Benteke’s recent injury.
According to the Daily Star, Palace want the 33-year-old free agent to join Palace in a hurry, as Belgian international Benteke has been ruled out of action for the next six weeks.
However, Championship sides Hull City and Bolton are also thought to be interested in Cole, who has recently returned to England following an unsuccessful spell with Persib Bandung.
The Star’s report claims that the veteran forward would prefer a move to the Championship over a stint at Selhurst Park, which is a major sticking point for the Eagles, who desperately need to find goals from somewhere.
Palace have now played six Premier League games this season and are yet to score a goal in the competition, sitting bottom of the table with no points after sacking Frank de Boer and replacing him with former England manager Roy Hodgson.
Carlton Cole has scored 86 goals in 397 senior appearances over his entire career. His last Premier League goal came whilst playing for West Ham in the 2014-15 season, but he has also scored for Aston Villa, Charlton Athletic and Chelsea in England’s top flight.
