Can Cole fill a hole?

Birmingham City are competing with Hull City for the signature of free agent Carlton Cole, according to Sun Sport.

The 34 year-old has been training with AFC Wimbledon with the aim of earning a contract there.

Both Blues and Hull are looking to add extra firepower to their ranks but must do it on the cheap during the January transfer window.

Blues manager Steve Cotterill spoke of ‘short term solutions’ last week as the club battle against Financial Fair Play regulations.

The former West Ham striker is thought to be keen on a return to England after a spell at Sacramento Republic in America and Persib Bandung in Indonesia.