Liverpool want England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole to
spearhead an Anfield revival.
Cole is known to have infuriated Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich
with his wage demands during preliminary contract talks.
The 28-year-old is potentially one of the best Bosman free
transfers on the
market and Liverpool, who are driving to bolster their English
contingent, have earmarked the skilful Londoner as a potential
signing.
In demand: Joe Cole is seen by Liverpool as having
the star quality to spark a revival
Manager Rafa Benitez has already signed up-and-coming stars
Raheem Sterling (from QPR) and Jonjo Shelvey (from Charlton) and
has talked openly about his desire to instill more ‘English
passion’ into the club.
High jump: Cole was celebrating Chelsea's crucial
win with his team-mates at Anfield on Sunday
Even if Benitez leaves, the club will look to sign at least two
more English players over the next month as they pursue a policy of
signing more homegrown players
to prepare for new UEFA guidelines.
Cole, who has struggled to hold down a Chelsea first-team place
under Carlo Ancelotti, would give the club Premier League
experience, plus the star quality that would appease disillusioned
fans.
He would not command a transfer fee but is looking for around
£6.2million a year in wages — £120,000 a week.
A move to Liverpool is believed to interest Cole as a next-best
alternative to staying at Chelsea.
But that plan was originally smoothed by the idea of the Anfield
club qualifying for the Champions League — which they have not —
and being in a position to build this summer.
New blood: Highly-rated Charlton teenager Jonjo
Shelvey will arrive at Anfield this summer
Instead, Liverpool find themselves in turmoil with big questions
over the management and ownership still to be resolved.
That could open the door for Tottenham and Manchester City to
make rival offers for Cole.
