Lille keen to keep Liverpool midfielder

Cole joined Lille from Liverpool over the summer on a season-long deal, and the former Chelsea star has impressed in France.

“Of course I would like to keep Joe Cole at the club next season,” said Garcia. “He’s not just a very talented player, but also a man of many qualities.

“He shares the values of Lille and northern France. He is a humble guy, and honest and approachable despite his fantastic CV as a player.

“His team-mates really appreciate him. He has the virtue of being a hard worker – he goes flat out all the time.

“I sometimes have to tell him during training to take his foot off the gas and save some energy. He is a pleasure to coach.”