Express & Star

Joe Cole poised to seal shock switch to Aston Villa

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Joe Cole was today set to complete a shock switch to Villa as boss Paul Lambert continued to add much-needed experience to his squad.

The 56-capped former England midfielder had a medical last night and is ready to sign a two-year deal.

Boss Paul Lambert has targeted adding more experience to his squad and sees 32-year-old Cole as the ideal fit following his release from West Ham.

The three-time Premier League winner will become Villa's second summer free transfer after Philippe Senderos, 29, joined last week.

Lambert is having to work under tight constraints with owner Randy Lerner hesitant to fund big-money deals while he looks to sell the club.

The Scot, who has also been linked with Norwich's Wes Hoolahan, is having to deal in free transfers and loans as he tries to ensure Villa don't suffer another season battling the Premier League drop.

Lambert was also interested in Sunderland's Jack Colback before he joined their north east rivals Newcastle yesterday.

Cole had been linked with QPR and Brighton, while he is also believed to have had offers from the MLS. The former Chelsea playmaker almost moved to Villa on loan from Liverpool in 2011 under Alex McLeish but instead switched to Lille.