Chelsea striker Carlton Cole has joined London rivals Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old, who could make his debut for the Addicks against Premiership newcomers Wolves on Saturday, has gone to The Valley in order to gain some valuable Premiership experience.
The young forward has been tipped for a big future by Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri despite the arrival of new billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, who is set to following the signing of Adrian Mutu with that of Hernan Crespo.
Cole's departure leaves Chelsea with four strikers again after Mutu received international clearance to play for the London club.
The Romanian international will battle with Eidur Gudjohnsen, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mikael Forssell for a place in Chelsea's starting line-up.
"Carlton has a big future at Chelsea and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to improve his education," Chelsea chief executive Trevor Birch told the club's website.
"We are taking advantage of the new rules which allow loans between Premiership clubs to give Carlton some regular Premier League football.
"That is the level at which we want him this season, and we are sure he'll come back at the end a better player."
Cole scored six goals in three starts and 13 substitute appearances last season including one on the opening day of the season - at Charlton.
The 19-year-old, who could make his debut for the Addicks against Premiership newcomers Wolves on Saturday, has gone to The Valley in order to gain some valuable Premiership experience.
The young forward has been tipped for a big future by Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri despite the arrival of new billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, who is set to following the signing of Adrian Mutu with that of Hernan Crespo.
Cole's departure leaves Chelsea with four strikers again after Mutu received international clearance to play for the London club.
The Romanian international will battle with Eidur Gudjohnsen, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mikael Forssell for a place in Chelsea's starting line-up.
"Carlton has a big future at Chelsea and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to improve his education," Chelsea chief executive Trevor Birch told the club's website.
"We are taking advantage of the new rules which allow loans between Premiership clubs to give Carlton some regular Premier League football.
"That is the level at which we want him this season, and we are sure he'll come back at the end a better player."
Cole scored six goals in three starts and 13 substitute appearances last season including one on the opening day of the season - at Charlton.
