Liverpool join battle to sign Cole

Speculation is growing that Liverpool have joined Arsenal and Tottenham in the race to sign Joe Cole.

The Joe Cole saga has rumbled on for weeks with so many different clubs linked with the player but it did appear that it was going to be either The Emirates or White Hart Lane that Cole would end up, we can now add Anfield to that list.

It does make sense that Hodgson would be interested in Cole with Yossi Benayoun sold and of course the fact that he comes without a transfer fee but the one thing that Liverpool cannot offer the player and which could end up being a decisive factor is Champions League football something both Arsene Wenger and Harry Redknapp can offer the England International.

Another obstacle could be wages, Liverpool are not flush with cash and even though both Tottenham and Arsenal operate under a strict wage cap it is thought that both London clubs are able to match Cole's personal demands, something that both The Gunners boss Wenger and Spurs manager Redknapp have told the players agent.

It is an interesting development in this saga that Liverpool have entered the race but it is still difficult to see Cole joining the Anfield outfit when everything is considered and the chances are still high that he will end up at either Arsenal or Tottenham.

But then again this is football and nothing can be taken for granted until Cole has finally signed on the dotted line.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.