Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Joe Cole's Loan to Lille Shows Reds Mean Business

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In what would be a shocking move, Liverpool is reportedly close to sending Joe Cole out on loan to Lille for the season before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.

Cole, the former Chelsea star, hasn't produced since his heralded transfer to Liverpool last summer, in large part because he's rarely been given the chance. Since his move to Anfield, Cole has made only 11 Premier League starts, and has failed to feature in any of Liverpool's first three games of 2011.

His potential departure for the year only confirms what we've come to expect from Liverpool's new ownership, Fenway Sports Group: that your name means nothing if you can't produce.

Upon FSG's emergence at Anfield, manager Kenny Dalglish has managed to secure new starters in Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing, and everyone else, including Cole, appears to be just getting in the way of the owners' master plan at this point.

The news surrounding Cole immediately follows news that Christian Poulsen is expected to be off to French club Evian.

With the loan of Cole to Lille, Liverpool will be able to save some of Cole's weekly wage of £90,000, further proving that the Reds mean business, in both senses of the word.

Liverpool appears to at least have a plan in place, which is more than you could say about the previous owners. The new acquisitions appear locked in place, and the departures of some former starters like Alberto Aquilani have marked a bold transition period.

Cole, who was originally thought to want a transfer to Tottenham, recently has edged toward Ligue 1 due to the lure of playing Champions League soccer in France. The way Liverpool is moving on, Reds fans may never hear from the 29-year-old again.

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