An outright move to QPR cannot be ruled out for Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole.

The Daily Mail says QPR have opened talks with Liverpool - who beat them 3-0 - over a January switch for the midfielder, 31, who was given his professional debut by Redknapp at West Ham in 1998.

Harry Redknapp is hoping to seal a loan deal ahead of a permanent move if Rangers avoid relegation.

But if Cole and Liverpool agree a severance package for the 18 months left on his £90,000-per-week deal, he could join permanently next month.