Cole joins Charlton on season long loan

Chelsea's Carlton Cole has been loaned to London rivals Charlton Athletic for the rest of the season.

Chelsea's Carlton Cole has been loaned to London rivals Charlton Athletic for the rest of the season.

Cole (19) has been elbowed out by the arrival of Romanian Adrian Mutu who will be battling for one of the two strike positions with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Mikael Forssell.

"Carlton has a big future at Chelsea and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to improve his education," Chelsea chief executive Trevor Birch said today.

Cole scored six goals in 16 appearances last season and played for the England under-21 side on Tuesday in their 3-0 defeat by Croatia.

READ MORE

Mutu can play in Saturday's league game against Leicester City after the club received international clearance.

Arsenal's Jermaine Pennant has joined Leeds on a two-month loan deal.