Liverpool are ready to consider offloading Joe Cole along with £8m to sign Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, according to the Free Football Bet website.

The 25-year-old has reportedly told friends he will leave Villa in order to develop his international career further and looks set to engineer a move from the club at the end of the season.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham are reported suitors of the winger but the Anfield club could emerge as favourites to land Young with an alluring swap deal involving midfielder Joe Cole plus a cash offer.