Portsmouth confirm Cole talks

Portsmouth have revealed that they are in talks with Carlton Cole and claim the player wants to join them.

Cole is back at Chelsea after a season-long loan at Aston Villa, who remain one of the sides interested in securing the England Under-21 international's signature on a permanent basis.

The striker is resigned to leaving star-studded Stamford Bridge, where he faces a colossal fight to break into the first team.

He is set to follow the likes of Scott Parker and fellow striker Mikael Forssell through the exit door as he searches for regular first-team football.

Fratton Park is a possible destination, with Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric encouraged by the way talks have gone so far and confident of getting his man.

"We have spoken to him and he wants to join Portsmouth," said Mandaric. "We are pleased with his attitude.

"I think we have a good chance of getting him. We are not scared of the money involved.

"It is good when you get that enthusiasm from a player.

"He wants to settle down after being away on loan so much."