As the battle for promotion from League One to the Championship intensifies, several clubs are scrambling to secure the services of experienced striker Devante Cole from Port Vale. With the mid-season transfer window closing on February 2, 2026, clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Huddersfield Town, and Bradford City are all vying for Cole, who has emerged as a key target.
Currently, Bolton and Bradford are locked in a tight race for automatic promotion, both teams sitting at 46 points. Bolton holds a crucial advantage with two games in hand over their rivals, while they remain just behind second-placed Lincoln City. Meanwhile, Huddersfield is in sixth place, ten points off Lincoln, with their focus shifting towards securing a play-off spot rather than direct promotion. This shift in ambition comes after the appointment of new head coach Liam Manning, who recently led the Terriers to a 1-0 victory over Bradford in a local derby.
Luton Town, once considered pre-season title favorites following their recent relegation from the Premier League, currently sits in seventh place. They are keen to improve their inconsistent form, having secured only one win in their last five matches across all competitions. As the transfer deadline approaches, Luton is keen to enhance their attacking options, and Cole has emerged as a prime candidate.
Cole’s transfer interest is heating up. The 30-year-old striker joined Port Vale on the final day of the previous transfer window from Championship side West Bromwich Albion. Despite Port Vale’s struggles, currently sitting at the bottom of the League One table with just 18 points from 25 matches, Cole has managed to net six goals in his first 19 appearances. His performance has not gone unnoticed, leading to interest from multiple clubs.
As reported by Sky Sports, Luton has been proactive in their pursuit, making an undisclosed approach for Cole. However, they are now facing stiff competition from Bolton, Huddersfield, and Bradford, all of whom are similarly eager to bolster their forward lines with Cole’s signing. Wycombe Wanderers is also in the mix, as their manager, Michael Duff, seeks to improve his team’s chances in the play-off race.
The growing interest in Cole reflects the player’s impact since moving to League One, demonstrating his ability to maintain a respectable scoring record despite his team’s overall difficulties. As the transfer window nears its conclusion, the outcome of this race for Cole will not only shape the future of the clubs involved but could also significantly influence their promotion prospects as they strive for a coveted spot in the Championship.
