LIVERPOOL have confirmed the signing of England midfielder Joe Cole on a four-year deal.

Cole – who was a free agent, having been released by Chelsea last month – has agreed personal terms and will sign for the club once he completes a medical within the next 48 hours.

Cole had been linked to Arsenal and Tottenham, both of whom will play Champions League football this year, but has opted to link up with Roy Hodgson at Anfield and content himself with the Europa League.

He is likely to be considered a direct substitute for Israeli international Yossi Benayoun, who left Anfield for Stamford Bridge two weeks ago.

Cole is Liverpool’s second signing of the summer, following Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic.

The signing will be welcomed by the club’s owners who are known to be trying to sell the club, and thus will be satisfied with the free signing.

Cole won three Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and two League Cups during his seven years with Chelsea.