Carlton Cole given chance to secure move north with Celtic

Former England striker Carlton Cole is training with Celtic with a view to securing a move to the Scottish champions.

But Hoops boss Ronny Deila is refusing to put a timescale on the 31-year-old's stay at Parkhead, insisting he will not be hurried over his decision.

Cole, who began his career with Chelsea in 2001, is without a club after being released following his second spell at West Ham at the end of last season.

He has been capped seven times by his country and Deila admits he has a specific task in mind should Cole be offered a deal at Parkhead.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's League Cup tie against Raith Rovers, the Norwegian said: "We still don't have that target man, in the air especially, so he can be the one.

"It's been good to have him here but it is early and we have only seen him in two exercises.

"He has not trained regularly for a while and he needs more time but it is very nice to have him here. He is a lovely guy and we know that he is a quality player."

We still don't have that target man, in the air especially, so he can be the one.

Asked if he was keen to strengthen his squad with only two recognised strikers - Leigh Griffiths and Nadir Ciftci - given regular game time, Deila added: "I think we have a good squad but we are always looking to improve." 

Earlier, Cole, who was linked with a move to the MLS, said a deal could be tied up as early as this weekend if both parties can agree terms.

Quoted in the Daily Record, he said: "Glasgow has surprised me. I've never been to Scotland before so hopefully we can do a deal.

"I'm going to go and train and see how I like it and see how the boys are. I was almost going to the MLS instead of coming here so hopefully I will like it."