Cole Explains Villa Choice

Cole will spend next season on loan at Villa Park, and here is what he had to say about it: "The way that David O'Leary spoke to me was very positive. With someone putting that much faith in me I can only get a positive response by doing the business on the pitch.

"I am certainly feeling very positive about the future. This can be a very big season for me and what I need are games and goals."

Cole's agent, Jonathan Barnett, added: "We spoke to several clubs but we were most impressed by Aston Villa.

"The big attraction for Carlton was David O'Leary. We very much liked what he had to say and his role for Carlton. David O'Leary will pick his best team. But if Carlton plays to his potential then he will get the first-team football he needs."