Joe Cole has revealed how Manchester City were close to beating Chelsea to signing Eden Hazard from Lille.

Cole played with the Real Madrid attacker at Lille before he made the move to Chelsea.

He recalled to The Athletic: "When I arrived in Lille I wanted to be the new number ten. But coach Rudi Garcia made it clear to me that that wouldn't happen because there was a 20-year-old 'special' boy around.

"A certain Eden Hazard.

"When the coach told me that the guy could also take the free kicks and penalties, I didn't like it at all. Until I saw him play football. Then I understood. Because he was simply phenomenal.

"He was often on the line with Vincent (Kompany)," Cole reveals. "Of course he wanted to guide him to Manchester City. He also regularly received calls from Manchester United."