Luton Town have moved to strengthen their attacking options with the permanent signing of striker Devante Cole from Port Vale, for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old arrives having enjoyed a strong season despite Vale’s struggles, scoring regularly and netting against the Hatters in December. Cole reached a personal milestone on New Year’s Day with the 100th goal of his senior career and now links up with Jack Wilshere’s side as Luton look to add firepower and competition in the forward areas.
Wilshere said of the former Manchester City academy forward: “Devante is an exciting signing for us, a proven goalscorer at this level. He had a great upbringing at Manchester City and has since forged a top career in and around League One, the Championship and Scottish Premiership.
“If you look at his recent goalscoring record, he’s been one of the main reasons why Barnsley reached the play-offs twice in a row, and this season he’s found the net regularly in a side battling at the bottom.
“That’s something we found to our cost a few weeks ago so we’re delighted to bring him in on our side. He’s vastly experienced and will bring competition to the forward areas, where we’ve got players returning to fitness.
“He has been playing regularly for Port Vale, so he’s ready to go and we’re looking forward to seeing how he can help us.”
Cole admitted the move had been one he was keen to make once interest was made clear.
“It’s been a long week, but I’m very happy to get it over the line. Since I first became aware of the interest, I wanted to be a Luton player and I’m glad it’s finally at this point.
“I’ve been to Kenilworth Road a few times and it’s always a hard place for an opposition team to play, but I’m looking forward to getting out there with the fans behind me now.
“It always helps you settle in quickly at a new club when there are familiar faces, and I know Mads very well from my time at Barnsley and Kal from when we were at Wigan together, so I’m sure all the lads will be good. I can’t wait to get going now.”
Cole began his career at Manchester City, joining the club at the age of seven and progressing through the youth ranks under Patrick Vieira. His first senior football came on loan at Barnsley, before permanent spells at Bradford and Fleetwood where he scored 22 goals in 94 appearances.
Further moves followed at Wigan, Burton, Doncaster and Motherwell, where he struck 11 times in the Scottish Premiership, before a prolific return to Barnsley. At Oakwell he scored 33 goals across two League One seasons as the Tykes reached the play-offs in successive campaigns.
A move to West Brom followed, but limited opportunities under five different managers saw him agree an early end to his deal, opening the door for Port Vale. He made an immediate impact there and now completes his switch to Luton.
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