GREGORY BEMOANS MISSING OUT ON COLE
ASTON VILLA boss John Gregory has revealed he would have liked to have signed Andy Cole ahead of him joining Blackburn Rovers, but that he was prevented from doing so by the club's transfer policy.
Gregory admitted he would be interested in bringing the England international striker to Villa Park and that he feels the player would have been keen on a move to the midlands.
Cole completed his move to Blackburn on Saturday for a fee in the region of £8 million after growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team chances at United.
Gregory is determined to strengthen his squad as he tries to improve on his side's current poor form and he knows he must bolster his options if the side are to challenge for a place in the Champions League.
"People are aware of the transfer policy of our club, and so we were unable to pursue our interest in Andy Cole," said Gregory.
"It was because we do have a policy at Aston Villa at the moment that I must sell before I can buy, although I think Andy would have loved to have come here."
