Reds chase Chelsea star

Liverpool want England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole to spearhead an Anfield revival.

Cole is known to have infuriated Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich with his wage demands during preliminary contract talks.

The 28-year-old is potentially one of the best Bosman free transfers on the market and Liverpool, who are driving to bolster their English contingent, have earmarked the skilful Londoner as a potential signing.

Manager Rafa Benitez has already signed up-and-coming stars Raheem Sterling (from QPR) and Jonjo Shelvey (from Charlton) and has talked openly about his desire to instill more 'English passion' into the club.

Even if Benitez leaves, the club will look to sign at least two more English players over the next month as they pursue a policy of signing more homegrown players to prepare for new UEFA guidelines.

Cole, who has struggled to hold down a Chelsea first-team place under Carlo Ancelotti, would give the club Premier League experience, plus the star quality that would appease disillusioned fans.

He would not command a transfer fee but is looking for around £6.2million a year in wages - £120,000 a week.

A move to Liverpool is believed to interest Cole as a next-best alternative to staying at Chelsea.

But that plan was originally smoothed by the idea of the Anfield club qualifying for the Champions League - which they have not - and being in a position to build this summer.

Instead, Liverpool find themselves in turmoil with big questions over the management and ownership still to be resolved.

That could open the door for Tottenham and Manchester City to make rival offers for Cole.

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