Aston Villa are weighing up cutting loose Joe Cole in January.

The Express & Star says Villa may allow him to leave permanently.

The 33-year-old is out on loan at League One side Coventry City, who have used him in bit-parts until they can get him fully match-fit.

Staying with the Sky Blues until the end of the season would suit him, with Villa open to either part-subsidising another loan or arranging a severance package.