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The former Arsenal ace, 34, will be allowed to leave the Italian side on a free transfer in January and is keen to resume his career after a season on the sidelines.

Cole has been considered by Manchester United too but Remi Garde’s Villa need a replacement for the injured Jordan Amavi and some experience to help guide them away from relegation.

The ex-England international has kept himself in shape and played at Old Trafford last month in David Beckham’s Unicef game against the Rest of the World.

Villa are currently bottom of the Premier League but signed 11 senior players during the summer transfer window.