Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Joe Cole, who was released by West Ham at the end of last season.

The 31-year-old was handed a free transfer at the end of last season after a second spell at West Ham lasted just 18 months.However it has emerged this evening that Villa are preparing to give the former England international one final chance in the top flight.According to Lee Clayton of the Mail, Cole is reported to be undergoing a medical this evening ahead of a move to Villa Park.Should the move go ahead, Villa will be Cole's fourth Premier League club following spells with West Ham (twice), Chelsea and Liverpool.