Joe Cole closes in on Lille loan spell

Joe Cole is in talks to join Lille on a season-long loan from Liverpool.

The 29-year-old has failed to cement himself in manager Kenny Dalglish's plans since arriving at Anfield last year and has played no part in the current Premier League campaign.

The former Chelsea midfielder had been mooted for a move to Tottenham Hotspur or QPR, but it is thought that the opportunity of Champions League football has given the Ligue 1 champions the edge.

Cole scored two goals in 32 appearances for the Reds last season.