ESPN reports Cole has given his strongest indication to date that he would like to continue his career in French soccer.
"I'm really happy at Lille," Cole said. "If things continue like this, it would make sense for me to stay. I've started well here and I'm going to keep getting better and better."
The 30-year-old quickly adapted to life in France, both on and off the field. Cole and Lille have hinted at their mutual interest in extending his stay beyond the end of the season, but no concrete offers have been made to Liverpool, who own his rights.
If Cole and Lille want to make the move a permanent one, Liverpool and the French club would have to agree on a transfer fee. Cole would then negotiate a new contract with Lille. It is unlikely that Lille could match the salary Liverpool pays him, but he could be willing to take a pay cut in order to facilitate the move.
Cole's career was at a crossroads when he joined Lille in August. He gambled on a move to a country and style of play with which he was unfamiliar, but it has paid off. The England international has appeared in 22 games in all competitions, scoring four goals and adding five assists.
He has played an integral role in manager Rudi Garcia's team, and the two speak highly of one another. Lille is in third place in the Ligue 1 standings at the midpoint of the season. It trails leader Paris Saint-Germain by four points.
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