Portsmouth linked with Cole swoop

Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has admitted his interest in Chelsea striker Carlton Cole.

The Fratton Park supremo and manager Alain Perrin have highlighted the 21-year-old as a replacement for Middlesbrough-bound Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

And according to reports, Mandaric is willing to spend £2m of the £7.5m received from Yakubu’s sale on Cole.

“He is a good, young player, an England Under-21 international who is moving in the right direction,” Mandaric told the Daily Star.

“I believe with the right coaching, which we now have at this club, he can learn and improve.”