Fast forward two months and it is nearly a year ago since Liverpool thought they pulled off the free transfer coup of the summer, when Joe Cole signed a four-year deal at Anfield. However, the intervening season saw Cole slip out of favour and if recent press reports hold any weight, then the diminutive playmaker is set for a move back to the capital with Tottenham Hotspur.

Originally last July it was Spurs and Liverpool who were vying for his signature. He chose red over white and the rest was considered history. However, Cole was sent-off on his full league debut against Arsenal which badly disrupted the rhythm of his induction, and in truth he never recovered. This time around the fee for Cole is believed to be £3m, a deal which the Liverpool owners, Fenway Sports Group, should be eager to push through.

MASCHERANO BELIEVES IN ARGENTINA

Argentina's Javier Mascherano has targeted Copa America success this summer for his nation, but hopes the Albiceleste can win the competition as a team, and not be over-reliant on Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi.

Argentina go into the tournament as favourites, and the midfielder has stated what a victory in the tournament would mean to all those involved.

"For many of us [it] is a key event, because we have suffered many blows and we got nothing. This is a good opportunity to reverse that, give a joy to the people and give happiness to ourselves. It's a nice opportunity to win the title," the former Liverpool man told Marca.