Liverpool FC: Will Joe Cole Be Given a Chance Under Brendan Rodgers?

With Brendan Rodgers taking over at Liverpool Football Club, changes are undoubtedly coming to Anfield. Players will be coming, players will be going and the club could well have a new look come the 2012-13 Premier League season.

One of the major questions Rodgers will have to deal with is that of what to do with midfielder Joe Cole.

Cole signed for Liverpool on a four-year deal in July 2010 as one of Roy Hodgson's first purchases.

The 30-year-old ex-England international made 32 appearances for the club in his first season, but struggled to live up to his expectations after coming in from Chelsea, and was sent out on a season-long loan to Lille OSC by Kenny Dalglish at the beginning of last season.

From nowhere, Cole has had a very strong season with Lille, starring across from Chelsea-bound Eden Hazard in a 4-3-3 formation. In 42 appearances, Cole scored nine goals and added three assists, helping his Lille to a third-place Ligue 1 finish.

Cole's impressive performance has left Liverpool fans asking: might there be a spot for Cole in next year's Liverpool side?

This season, the Reds struggled to score.

Scoring just 47 goals in 38 games in the Premier League, the team needs to improve its attack to have any chance at cracking a Champions League spot next season.

Cole scored 40 goals and had 43 assists in 281 appearances over a seven-year spell at Chelsea. He has proven his offensive potential in the past, and would certainly help to add some attacking ability to the Liverpool side.

Cole would be a free acquisition, costing the club nothing to bring in. He is a low-risk option, and, while his wages are high, could really only be a positive addition to the team.

Brendan Rodgers certainly has something to think about in regards to the situation of Joe Cole.

Follow Jake Ware on Twitter at @JacobWare95