Harry Redknapp has revealed Queens Park Rangers have not made any contact with Liverpool over Joe Cole, but the Hoops manager believes the midfielder can recapture his best form.
The 31-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Liverpool since moving to the Merseyside outfit in 2010 and has only made three appearances this term.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has relied on the club’s youngsters during the opening 14 Premier League games, prompting out-of-favour Cole to be linked with a move away from Anfield.
And QPR boss Redknapp, who oversaw the England international’s progression from the youth set-up into the first-team at West Ham United, believes the former Chelsea playmaker is still a top player.
“I’ve always liked Joe,” said Redknapp.
“I signed him as an 11-year-old, no-one knows Joe better than me. I still think he’s got the talent and there’s a top player in there.
“I like him very much as a person as well as a player, but I’ve not made any enquiries for Joe or for anyone at the moment.”
Redknapp’s nephew Frank Lampard is reported to be considering ending his Chelsea career in January, with a move to China or the MLS an option, and the QPR boss laughed off the suggestion of a possible swoop for the midfielder.
“Lampard is dead keen to leave Chelsea,” Redknapp joked. “He’s always wanted to play for QPR so that looks like it’s going to happen in January.
“He’s not interested in playing in the Champions League this year.”