Now Liverpool Linked With Chelsea's Cole
@chineseairhead (756)
China
August 12, 2008 6:51am CST
England midfielder Joe Cole could soon achieve what another, Gareth Barry, apparently can’t: join Liverpool. At least, that is the latest transfer market rumour.
There were reports yesterday that Aston Villa might make a bid for Cole, but now it seems Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has shown an interest, and given the Reds’ Champions League involvement, it may be a rumour to take more seriously.
It is said that Cole has become unsettled at Stamford Bridge following the Blues’; signing of Deco and the possible arrival of Robinho, and is seeking reassurance from new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari that he figures in the Brazilian’s plans for the new season - especially as his opportunities in pre-season have been decidedly limited.
Cole, 26, is competing with Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Deco, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Florent Malouda, Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel for a place in the Chelsea midfield when the Blues kick-off their season at home to Portsmouth on Sunday.
And Scolari's pursuit of Real Madrid’s Robinho is not making Cole feel any more secure, given the two players‘ similar roles. Robinho is keen to move to Chelsea and Scolari is clearly keen to snare him: the club had a bid of £19.7 million for the Brazilian rejected last week but are unlikely to be deterred by price, though Madrid don‘t want to sell.
Meanwhile Liverpool manager Benitez is seeking width for his squad, and the apparent impasse over the protracted Barry saga, with Liverpool refusing to match Aston Villa's £18million valuation for the player, could persuade the Reds to move for Cole - though he is likely to cost even more.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also being linked with another young Hungarian in 17-year old defender Otikba Kenneth.
4 responses
@mrtimharry (1180)
•
12 Aug 08
now joe cole would actually make a lot more sense for the team than barry, although I thought Liverpool would rather buy Silva
1 person likes this
@finescribe (199)
• Philippines
8 Nov 08
I think cole is not so much threatend with the presence of Deco. I think he can still fill into the team. With Robinho discounted, i think he will never be threatned anymore.
@rumandawi7 (68)
• Malaysia
7 Nov 08
Joe Cole for Liverpool?? Never cross my mind...Although Liverpool is a good team, for me Joe Cole still play his best football for Chelsea. There are only a few out there with cole's ability and if that excluding British player, he is only second best to Ryan Giggs (when Giggs was younger and Welsh of course). Which means Chelsea got one of the FINEST if not the FINEST right or left midfield in England. Selling him would definitely crippled Chelsea ambition of making the Quads...Not discrediting the other Chelsea players, but for me if Big Phil wants to break from the rear, Joe Cole is the answer... That is also true when they still got Arjen Robben down the flank. Yes may the arrival of Robinho may change thing a little bit, but hey lets face it, he Goes where the money talks, so we don't player like that wearing Chelsea's shirt right. What we need is someone who wants to don the shirt because he is talented and he genuinely love the club and not for the money alone...I think that is what we want in a team...
