Aston Villa target summer swoop for Joe Cole?

Aston Villa are reportedly prepared to launch a summer bid for Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole.

The 30-year-old, who is currently on loan from the Reds at Lille, is expected to return to Anfield at the end of the season with question marks over his future.

With the Reds expected to offload the former Chelsea star, Villa boss Alex McLeish is believed to be eager to offer the chance of a Premier League comeback to Cole, according to the Daily Star.

The playmaker, who has been a welcome addition to the French side, has two years remaining on his current Liverpool contract.