Cole spent last season on loan at Charlton but, despite Chelsea agreeing a deal for him to go there again this season as part of the Scott Parker transfer, has rejected the chance to go back to the Valley.

And Villa are just one of several clubs keen on the big man. Everton boss David Moyes is a known admirer of him as well, and looks set to compete with David O'Leary for Cole's signature.

However, it is thought that Cole would favour a move to Villa after spending a month on loan at Wolves a few years back, not to mention David O'Leary's excellent reputation for working with youngsters.

But O'Leary will be frustrated by his failure to land German defender Robert Huth. It looked to be a done deal less than a fortnight ago, but it would appear that Jose Mourinho has had a change of heart. He now requires Huth as cover for his centre backs, which could suggest that Chelsea are short on ideas for a new centre back signing. After all, with Marcel Desailly seemingly out the door, we are short there...