Joe Cole has emerged as the latest transfer target for Liverpool to spearhead a home-grown revolution at Anfield.
Having already secured the services of English wonderkids Raheem Sterling and Jonjo Shelvey from Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic respectively, Rafael Benitez is hoping to add the 28-year-old midfielder to the club's ranks.
The Reds are planning a swoop for the West Ham United academy graduate after his excessive wage demands aggravated Stamford Bridge chiefs and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich during preliminary contract talks.
Relations at Anfield have become highly strained following a turbulent campaign that has seen the club fail to qualify for next season's Champions League after crashing out of this year's group stages, and suffering heartache in the Europa League semi-final.
But Benitez is hoping that the capture of Cole, who made a very brief cameo apperance during his side's 2-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, will not only provide much-needed optimism to the Anfield faithful in addition to helping the club meet UEFA's home-grown quota.
In accordance with the plans, clubs competing in the Champions League or Europa League must have a minimum of four players produced from their club's academy and at least eight from players who have come through other English clubs' youth system.
But a move for the England international would force the Kop boss, whose own future is clouded in uncertainty following relentless interest from Juventus, to pay up to £6.2million per year with the player demanding a weekly wage of £120,000.
This stumbling block has seen Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur join the race for the signature of Cole, who has struggled to command a starring role under Carlo Ancelotti this season.
http://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/liverpool-fc/128964-liverpool-fc-plan-swoop-for-chelsea%27s-joe-cole-to-spearhead-anfield-revolution.html?Two words. F**k off.
The last thing we need is players obsessed with what they earn rather than who they play for. Seriously.