• Premier League

Joe Cole signs four-year Liverpool contract

ESPN staff
July 19, 2010
Joe Cole was available on a free transfer © Getty Images
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Joe Cole has agreed to sign for Liverpool on a four-year contract.

The Anfield club have beaten off a host of top clubs for the England midfielder's signature, after the former Chelsea man was linked to Tottenham and Arsenal. It has been reported that Cole, 28, was offered wages of £90,000-a-week to lure him to Merseyside.

Cole becomes Roy Hodgson's second official signing, after the arrival of Milan Jovanovic, but he is the first player actively brought into the club by the new Liverpool manager. The deal essentially means that Cole and Yossi Benayoun have swapped teams, with a payment of £5 million in Liverpool's favour.

Cole, who has represented his country on 56 occasions, completed the switch on Monday afternoon, subject to a medical. A statement on the official Liverpool website read: "Liverpool FC are delighted to confirm the signing of Joe Cole on a four-year deal.

"The England midfielder has agreed personal terms with the Reds and will undergo a medical in the next 48 hours."

With Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard thought to be considering their futures on Merseyside, supporters will hope the signing of Cole will indicate an ability to challenge for a place in the top four this season.

Cole is expected to wear the number seven shirt.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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