Joe Cole set to discuss his Villa future

Joe Cole hasn't exactly set the world on fire during his time at Aston Villa. Partly because he hasn't played all that much, and he'd like to know why.

The Telegraph have reported that Cole has had talks with Tim Sherwood about his future, as the former Chelsea and Liverpool man has only featured once this season, as a substitute against Notts County in the Capital One Cup.

The article says that Cole wants a loan move to the Championship, in order to get game time and potentially revive his career. Cole, who has been capped 56 times by England, signed a two year deal with Villa last summer, but has only managed 11 league appearances for the club since then. Despite scoring the only goal in a 1-1 draw with Burnley last season, the former England man has done little to warrant his £20,000 a week salary.

In Cole's defence, fitness has been a constant issue for him during his time at Villa, so it is understandable that he is frustrated right now. Finally fit, but not getting any game time. It's hard to see where he would fit into the side however, with Scott Sinclair, Jack Grealish, Carles Gil, Adama Traore and probably Charles N'Zogbia ahead of him in the queue (100% not saying depth chart!).

Joe Cole is no stranger to going out on loan. While at Liverpool, he spent a season on loan at Ligue 1 side Lille, making a fairly good impression. That loan helped Cole earn a move to West Ham, and a loan this season could help his chances of getting back into the Villa side, or earn him a move elsewhere. Personally, I'd be fine with either.