Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole is pondering over a £90,000 a week contract with Liverpool, thought to be a three year deal worth £13million in total.
The England international is expected to make a decision on his future this week, with offers from Arsenal and Tottenham also.
Liverpool hope the lucrative contract will tempt Cole north, and away from the North London clubs who can offer him Champions League football.
Cole has been a free agent since his contract with Chelsea expired at the end of last month, and Reds boss Roy Hodgson is thought to believe Cole could be the player to reenergize Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano is moving closer to the Anfield exit door with Inter Milan striker Gabriel Milito reported as saying the Argentine captain wants to move to the San Siro.
Mascherano has been linked with a move that would see him team back up with former Reds boss Rafa Benitez in a deal which could net Liverpool £30million.
“We are excited that Mascherano is likely to come”, said Milito. “I think he has already made it clear that he wants to come to us, and now it’s about having to close the deal.”
Nice president Gilbert Stellardo says the club are prepared to sell striker Loic Remy, but haven’t had a decent enough bid from Liverpool.
Last week Hodgson moved quickly to play down speculation linking the Reds with a move for the 23-year-old Frenchman, but it is thought the club have the intention of beating West Ham to the chase.
Stellardo said, “For the moment it’s the same status quo, but if Liverpool make an offer things will be done swiftly.
“The amount offered by West Ham suits me but not the payment method.
“West Ham want to buy Loic because they think he could rapidly be worth €10million more if he plays in England. They don’t want us to pay the full sum all at once.”
And Hodgson has confirmed that Liverpool have agreed a fee with Fiorentina for the sale of Emiliano Insua. The Argentine left-back is expected to leave Anfield for around £5million.
“A deal has been struck with Fiorentina,” said Hodgson.”We wish him well for the rest of his career and thank him for his time spent at Liverpool. I am expecting him to join Fiorentina next week.”
There’s more transfer rumours, gossip and discussion over in the Rumour Mill
