Souness leaves Cole in the dark

Andy Cole is heading for talks with Blackburn Rovers as their manager Graeme Souness lines up his replacement.

Andy Cole is heading for talks with Blackburn Rovers as their manager Graeme Souness lines up his replacement.

Cole has been surprised to find out that Souness wants Paul Dickov to be a new partner for Jon Stead, and Rovers' record buy is keen to find out where he stands. Cole would rather stay at Blackburn but may be squeezed out by developments.

Cole and Souness clashed in the relegation run-in when the former Manchester United striker felt he was being picked on over a row about a "bonding" trip. Souness criticised Cole in front of his team-mates and Cole sought the advice of the PFA about his treatment.

Elsewhere, the Everton manager David Moyes had talks with Paul Dickov - in an attempt to stop him joining Rovers. Dickov - who can leave Leicester City for a small fee - wants to move close to his family's North-west base as he picks between a handful of clubs. If Moyes signs Dickov it will probably mean the transfer of Tomasz Radzinski, who is unsettled by a contract dispute and wanted by Fulham.

The Fulham manager Chris Coleman is willing to pay around £1.5m up front for the Canadian after his opening instalments-based package was rejected. Radzinski wants a new three-year deal at Goodison but has been turned down, paving the way for his exit.

Trevor Birch will be appointed as Everton's new chief executive at a board meeting tomorrow. But there is uncertainty over whether the club owner, Bill Kenwright, will take over as chairman from Sir Philip Carter, as has been suggested.