West Ham United are reportedly confident that they can beat fellow Premier League side Queens Park Rangers to the permanent signing of Joe Cole from Liverpool.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp confirmed yesterday that he would like to sign the former England international, who was given his debut by the R's boss during the pair's time together at West Ham.

However, the Hammers have held talks with the 31-year-old and feel that the deal could be concluded in time for Saturday's FA Cup tie against Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail.

Cole, who made his West Ham debut in 1998, left Upton Park for Chelsea in 2003 and went on to spend seven years at Stamford Bridge.

He has since been with Liverpool for two seasons - one of which was spent on loan in France with Lille.