NEIL LENNON is planning to make a move to pip Celtic in the race for free agent Carlton Cole.
The Bolton boss has admitted he is interested in the 32-year-old frontman who was released by West Ham at the end of last season.
Lennon, who side are rock-bottom of the Championship, said: “He’s a free agent and he’s a striker, so he’s a possibility.
“We’re still looking to add one or two and it’s no secret that I want a centre-forward.”
Cole, who has been capped seven times by England, has been training with the SPFL champions at Lennoxtown in recent weeks, but a calf injury has stalled signing talks.
Ronny Deila has already said the one-time Chelsea star is an option and is looking to add strength to his frontline with only Leigh Griffiths, Nadir Ciftci and Anthony Stokes available.
Ex-Parkhead gaffer Lennon is desperate to bolster his struggling Bolton outfit who have won only one of their 11 league games so far this season. They were also knocked out of the League Cup after losing at home to League One side Burton Albion.
He needs a replacement for Emile Heskey with the 37-year-old former England hitman currently sidelined with a long-term injury.
Sam Allardyce, Cole’s ex-manager at Upton Park, has also been credited with an interest after taking over from Dick Advocaat at Sunderland and watching his fire blanks in their 1-0 defeat against West Brom at the weekend.
