TheSportsCampus

Lille manager Rudi Garcia has admitted that he would love the opportunity to take Joe Cole back to the French club. The English midfielder's future has come under heavy speculation after he has been relegated to a bit-part role in Brendan Rodgers' squad this season.

The 30 year-old had a fine year at Lille, making 42 appearances during his loan spell last season. Lille were willing to retain the Englishman but Liverpool's new manager Rodgers was keen on offering the midfielder another chance at Anfield. However, Cole is yet to make a Premier League start this season and the midfielder came under heavy fire for his below-par performance against Swansea in the Capital One Cup.

“Joe is not only a great person, but also a great footballer. But financially it was not possible to have him,” Garcia told French media. “This can be prohibitive for the return of Joe to Lille. Sportingly and humanly, I'd love to see him back.”

Garcia is considering a winter move for the former Chelsea and West Ham star and with his Liverpool career seemingly over, the French club could launch a January bid to clinch his signature, reported Sky Sports. With Rodgers also looking to spend on new players in the winter, the Northern Irishman would appreciate the chance to get a high wage earner off his books.