Cole closing in on move to West Ham from Liverpool

LONDON (AP) -Joe Cole is closing in on a move from Liverpool to West Ham to end his lackluster spell at Anfield.

The former England midfielder joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Chelsea before the 2010-11 season, but struggled to break into the side and spent most of last season on loan at French club Lille.

The 31-year-old Cole has not started a Premier League game this season, and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed Wednesday that the player is in talks with West Ham about a return to the club where his career began.

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp, who worked with Cole at West Ham, has also been pursuing him.

Redknapp said Wednesday: "I thought he was coming for sure, then West Ham came in today.''