LIVERPOOL: Liverpool rubber-stamped the signing of Joe Cole on a four-year contract after the England midfielder passed his medical on Wednesday.

Cole had already agreed personal terms on Monday after being released by Chelsea and flew to the club`s training camp in Switzerland to undergo his physical checks.

The 28-year-old has been allocated the number 10 shirt and should make his Premier League debut for the Reds in their season opener against Arsenal on August 15.

Meanwhile, boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed Swiss defender Philipp Degen will be allowed to leave Anfield.

Degen made little impression after signing from Borussia Dortmund in July 2008 and Hodgson said: "We have had an amicable conversation with Philipp and he wants to play football.

"We won`t stand in his way and he is free to look for another club."

BDST: 1647hrs, July 21, 2010