Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Lille Chief Hints At Permanent Cole Move

Lille president Michel Seydoux has suggested the reigning Ligue 1 champions may look to turn Joe Cole's loan move from Liverpool into a permanent switch at the end of the season.

Cole, 30, has impressed since swapping Anfield for the Stade Lille-Metropole on a season-long loan, enjoying a new lease of life when it appeared his career had stagnated.

The midfielder, who has 56 England caps to his name, has previously spoken of his desire to stay in France and Seydoux has hinted that Lille would consider signing him on a full-time basis.

"It is not a certainty that he will leave us again at the end his contract," Seydoux said to RTL. "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."

Meanwhile, Seydoux admitted that Lille will likely struggle to hold on to highly-rated Belgium winger Eden Hazard unless they can replicate last season's success this time around.

"There is a real chance that he will stay at Lille if we have a good season and he still sees challenges here," Seydoux said. "If we don't do well, it's probable that he will leave the club after this season as there's plenty of interest.

"Will €50 million be enough? Nobody is irreplaceable and there are solutions for that kind of money."

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