Lille confirm Cole loan

"As the closure of the summer transfer approaches, Lille, Liverpool and Joe Cole (29) have reached an agreement to take the English international," a statement from the club read.

"He has committed to the club for a season."

"With the arrival of England international Joe Cole, Lille have expanded their playing staff with quality and quantity. The club is pleased and proud that its project has been able to attract a player of this calibre."

Cole, who has represented his country 56 times, had endured a miserable first season at Anfield after joining from Chelsea on a free transfer last summer.

Aston Villa were rumoured to have made a last-ditch effort to sign the midfielder, but Cole has opted for the Ligue 1 side, who will be playing Champions League football this season. Lille face Trabzonspor, CSKA Moscow and Internazionale in Group B of the draw.

There has been speculation as to whether London-born Cole will move to France for the period of his loan.

The former West Ham United and Chelsea midfielder could reportedly commute by train to link up with his new side, who are based in the north of France.

The last Englishman to play in Ligue 1 was Chris Makin, who spent the 1996-7 season at Marseille.

Another man to swap Merseyside for France is Christian Poulsen who has completed his move from Liverpool to Ligue 1 newcomers Evian.