Analysing the transfer gossip – 5th July: Part 2: Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs and more

Former England striker Carlton Cole, 29, who has been released by West Ham, is understood to have held talks with newly promoted Premier League side Crystal Palace.

Full story: Croydon Advertiser

What’s the story? Carlton Cole has been able to be effective in spurts during his career but has never converted his physical talents in to consistent goal scoring.Does it make sense? Yes. Palace are going to be without 30 goal Glenn Murray at the start of the season and they have pretty much nothing else.Is the price right? They need to be careful what wage they agree with him but getting him for free makes sense.Will it happen? 9/10 – Doesn’t need to move house, gets Premier League football at a club that need a striker. Sounds good.