Crystal Palace have been linked with former West Ham and Celtic striker Carlton Cole.

Cole, 33, is a free agent following a disappointing spell in Indonesian football.

He has been training with League One side Southend to keep up his fitness, and Eagles boss Roy Hodgson could offer him a shock return to the Premier League.

Palace will be without Christian Benteke for six weeks after the striker suffered knee ligament damage.

Benteke is the club’s only recognised striker, and Rickie Lambert and Cole have been touted as potential short-term replacements.

Ex-England international Cole has bags of top-flight experience with West Ham.

Palace are bottom of the Premier League after losing their opening six games.