Coventry City hoping to extend Joe Cole's loan

Coventry City manager Tony Mowbray has confirmed that discussions have taken place regarding an extension to Joe Cole's loan stint with the League One side.

The former England international, who arrived at the Ricoh Arena last month, is due to return to his parent club Aston Villa at the weekend.

However, Mowbray has insisted that it would be best for all concerned if the 34-year-old were to remain with Coventry until January at the earliest.

"He's had a chat with Villa [and] Mark Venus (assistant manager) has had a chat with Villa," the Coventry Telegraph quotes Mowbray as saying.

"I think the best option at the moment is to take it to January, try to get him to a physical condition where he can play football matches for us and stop chasing games."

Playmaker Cole is contracted to Villa until next summer.