Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that Joe Cole has a future with the Merseyside club if he can prove his worth in pre-season.

The former Chelsea midfielder will return to Anfield following a positive season-long loan at Lille and Rodgers has revealed that he will assess the 30-year-old ahead of the new Premier League season.

"I met up with Joe Cole when I was in Spain," Rodgers told the club's official website. "I certainly know he's looking to come back. I've got to assess all the players.

"With the likes of Joe - he's a very talented player. He's obviously gone out to Lille and done very well and he has the opportunity to come back here and show his qualities.

"For me it's fresh for everyone. I'll be new into the club. Of course I know lots of the players and their qualities but Joe is obviously a player who'll want to come back and show his worth to the group."

The future of Alberto Aquilani is also up in the air, with the midfielder's agent claiming that a decision will be made within a week.