Villa linked with Cole swoop

Published Aug. 31, 2011 9:16 a.m. ET

foxsports

The former Chelsea man is being tipped to leave Anfield and had been in talks over a move to French side Lille. However, Villa could be willing to hijack the move, with the Ligue 1 champions struggling to afford the winger's wages. Villa have brought in Charles N'Zogbia from Wigan, but are still short of creative options after losing Ashley Young and Stewart Downing. Premier League rivals Tottenham and QPR are also interested in the 29-year-old, but it seems Alex McLeish is keen on his services. Cole joined the Reds on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer, but has struggled to impress after making just 20 league appearances.