Charlton hint at legal action

Charlton have hinted at taking legal action in their row with Chelsea over Carlton Cole.

They have complained to the Premier League about their disputed loan deal involving the Stamford Bridge striker and revealed today they have consulted lawyers.

The row between the clubs could escalate after Charlton claimed Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon had also broken his word.

But Kenyon defended his club, saying: "We are disappointed with the comments from Charlton.

"We are confident Chelsea has conducted itself properly in all aspects of the transaction."

The dispute centres around Scott Parker's acrimonious £10million transfer from The Valley in January. As part of the deal, Charlton claim it was agreed that former England Under-21 international Cole would join them this season for his second year on loan.

Such a move would normally have cost them around £500,000 and the Premier League will now ask about the details of the deal to find a resolution.

Their inquiries are likely to centre on Charlton's claim about an agreement that if Cole decided not to spend another year with them he would not be loaned to another club.

Chelsea argue the terms of the Parker transfer and Cole loan deal have been misunderstood and they vehemently deny any wrongdoing.