Premiership: Rovers can speak to Cole - United

Manchester United have given Blackburn Rovers permission to speak to their England striker Andy Cole.

United confirmed yesterday they had held initial discussions with Blackburn after the Lancashire club made an official approach to sign the 30-year-old.

Today Ewood Park chief executive John Williams said: ‘‘We have been given permission to speak to Andy by United.’’

Rovers boss Graeme Souness, whose side have struggled to score goals this season since being promoted from Division One, said yesterday: ‘‘There have been preliminary talks between the clubs, and that’s where we’re at.

‘‘If we can make it happen then we would love to make it happen it would be a monster transfer for us.

‘‘The obvious area where we are weak is that we don’t score enough goals, and Andy has got a track record in the Premier League second only to Alan Shearer’s.

‘‘If we could get him here he would be a tremendous asset for us. We do create a lot of chances and we have not been taking anywhere near the percentage of the opportunities that have come our way.’’

There remains some talking to be done, however. Rovers may feel United’s reported asking price of £10m is high for someone already in his 30s.

Then there is the question of whether Rovers are willing to match Cole’s current salary at United, which some reports put as high as £45,000 a week.