Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has reportedly offered Joe Cole a bumper £90,000 a week in a bid to make the midfielder his first signing as Reds boss. Hodgson has vowed to fend off any interest for Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, however, and although Javier Mascherano could move on, his aim is to strengthen his first XI.
Cole has already attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham this summer and the Reds may face a battle to lure him north, but the News of the World claims his representatives have met with Liverpool officials.
The Merseysiders hope a significant signing on fee and the promise of guaranteed first-team football could persuade Cole to sign the three-year contract on the table.
Need your Liverpool news fix? Click here for all Reds news and transfer rumours.