Charlton Cole

Last updated : 30 January 2004 By Liam Corbett
Carlton Cole could move to the addicks on another year's loan, or as a permanent player. However, Claudio Ranieri has stated his admiration for Cole, and would surely be reluctant to let him leave permanently.

"Carlton has been talked about, and I'm sure he'll be talked about today," confirmed Curbishley.

"I don't think we'll be able to keep him permanently, but there are other options. It's a complicated deal."

Curbishley had stressed recently there was no chance of England prospect Parker being allowed to leave the club, even for £15 million, and that a transfer would never be done over his head. Today Charlton confirmed that following the Premiership meeting concerning the winter break, the two clubs had re-opened negotiations.

"Both clubs are talking again because Chelsea have come back with an improved offer," Curbishley admitted.

"Scotty made it quite clear he doesn't want to be here and doesn't want to play for us. With that in mind, both clubs are talking again.

"Nothing too serious has gone on but I'd like to think about what Scott has achieved for us as he's been fantastic for us, his performances have got him into the England team.

"But the last three weeks have left a bad taste in my mouth. The way the transfer has been conducted, we're not happy with. That's life. Everybody has got to get on with that.

"He's totally not focused on what we need to do so he's not been included in anything we've done over the last couple of weeks.

"That's the way it is. I think Louis Saha trained and played, so it's not similar to him, we know these things go on but, anyway, I'd rather thank Scott for what he's done for us.

"I've known him a long, long time. Whenever he pulled on a Charlton shirt he gave 200 percent and in training but, once it was obvious he wouldn't give us that commitment, I felt he wouldn't be the same player.

"We'll have to see if he gets any more England recognition if he plays for another club.