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Former West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool and England midfielder Joe Cole has agreed a deal to join North American Soccer League (NASL) side Tampa Bay Rowdies, a source has told ESPN FC. Cole, 34, is currently at League One side Coventry City on a deal until the end of the season after leaving Aston Villa on a free transfer in January. The midfielder has made 16 appearances for Coventry so far this season and he is hoping to help the eighth-placed club reach the playoffs. The Rowdies are keen to raise their profile and a source close to the player has told ESPN FC that Cole has been offered a one-year deal with an option for another 12 months and is expected to make the move to the United States at the end of the season. Cole has enjoyed an eventful career since coming through the West Ham academy where he was billed as one of the best young players of his generation. The skilful midfielder left West Ham for Chelsea in 2003, winning three Premier League titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups during his time at Stamford Bridge. Cole joined Liverpool in 2010, but he struggled for first-team opportunities at Anfield, spending a season on loan at Lille before returning to West Ham in January 2013. A spell at Aston Villa followed but he joined Coventry on loan in October last year which then became permanent in January when he was released.
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