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Neil Warnock says Crystal Palace have “no chance” of signing Ashley Cole because he does not want to return to England.
Palace were linked with a loan move for Cole, who has struggled to make an impact at Roma since joining them last summer.
Warnock is interested in signing Cole but he says the 33-year-old former England left-back will not be moving to Selhurst Park.
“I would love him but we have already been told there is no way he is coming back to England,” said the Palace manager.
“He is enjoying himself over there. He is not in the limelight and is enjoying living there. I do not think there is any chance whatsoever. The facts are that he is not going to leave Italy for a year.
“He walks about in the town without getting recognised. The press are not shoving cameras in his face, so he is loving it.”
But Warnock says Palace are interested in signing a left-back during next month’s transfer window. “A left-footer there would give us another option,” he said.
“Joel Ward can play in different areas, so can Martin Kelly and Adrian Mariappa. It would give us more choice going into the second half of the season.”
Warnock also revealed that Ward is close to signing new contract. Ward, 25, is in talks and a deal is likely to be agreed before Christmas.
