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Cole and Lille both keen on permanent deal

Joe Cole is enjoying himself in France © Getty Images

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Lille are hoping to sign on-loan Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole on a permanent basis, after the former England man made a bright start to life in Ligue 1.

Cole has been a quick hit with both fans and players at the French champions since departing Anfield, putting in some lively performances on the right of a three-man attacking line. And Lille president Michel Seydoux has revealed the club already hope to make the 30-year-old's move permanent.

"Cole is becoming an important member of our team, and even though he is currently Liverpool's player, it is not a certainty that he will leave us again at the end his (loan) contract," Seydoux said.

"If he has a certain good feeling with Lille and we can make him an interesting offer, this is something that we will look into."

The player himself is also open to extending his stay at Stade Lille Metropole, admitting that the chance to challenge for a domestic title and play in the Champions League are not opportunities he would have at any of the English clubs that have shown recent interest in him.

"I'd like to leave a legacy here," Cole said. "The fans have taken to me straight away, and that really helps.

"They bring a Union Jack to every game, and they sing 'Hey Jude', which the rest of the team find hilarious.

"I'd like to win something here, I'd like them to look at me as Chris Waddle is viewed down in Marseille - they love him down there, and he's still a legend.

"The English clubs that were in for me, no disrespect to them, were middle of the road Premier League clubs. I thought to myself, 'I could go and do that but will it get my blood boiling?'

"At Lille, we have a shot at the [French] title, and we are doing well in Europe, and that excites me. I want to stay at this level, and I want to fight for that.

"Of course, I could go back to Liverpool in the summer, and if I do, I'd give it another go with all my energy and all my desire, and try and make it work because it's a blot on my career that I would like to make right."

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