Joe Cole open to Aston Villa loan exit

Former England international Joe Cole has revealed his desire to make a loan move to the Championship.

The 33-year-old has yet to make a start for the Villains under manager Tim Sherwood, and this had led to the speculation that the player may well be deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park.

According to The Telegraph, the former Chelsea and Liverpool man has requested to join a Championship club on a temporary basis.

It is added that Sherwood would not stand in the player's way, should a suitable club come for his services.

Cole will look to revive his career in the second tier having struggled to maintain his performance levels ever since his move away from Stamford Bridge in 2010.