andy cole.. surely not

[jayp]

Today's "Please let this rumour be false" trophy goes to Setanta's claim that Celtic are lining-up a bid for Portsmouth striker Andy Cole.

The former Manchester United star, now 35, didn't travel with the rest of the Portsmouth squad to Hong Kong and serious question marks hang over his future - though, hopefully, that future will have nothing to do with Celtic.

While former England international Cole is the second-highest scorer in Premiership history he has never managed to capture his best form since leaving Manchester United in 2001, and he spent the end of last season playing for Birmingham City in the English Championship.

According to Setanta a two-year deal could be arranged this week, meaning Cole could be in place in time for the start of the season. But surely Peter Lawwell and Gordon Strachan would never enter into an agreement that would tie Cole to Celtic until after his 37th birthday?

While fans would love to see a proven Champions League striker at Parkhead, the hope is that the proof would be from last season, not six years ago. For if there is anything in this speculation and Andy Cole does sign it is hard to see the move as anything other than a backward step for the club.

As a footnote, it has also been claimed that Hull City are the main competitors for Cole's signature. Football summer transfer rumours - can they get any more ridiculous this year...?

[Rufc89]

he is in the top 5 leading scorer in the prem