Joe Cole has reportedly informed manager Tim Sherwood that he would like to leave Aston Villa on loan.

The former England international has not started a game since Sherwood was appointed in February, and he has had just one outing as a substitute this term.

As a result, Cole, who is fully fit, has asked to be granted permission to join a Championship club on a temporary basis, according to The Telegraph.

The report adds that Sherwood has told the 33-year-old that he would not stand in his way, providing that any interested parties are prepared to pay his wages for duration of the loan.

It is also understood that Villa are prepared to listen to loan offers for Charles N'Zogbia, Kieran Richardson and Philippe Senderos.