Roy Hodgson has revealed that Steven Gerrard was a major factor in Joe Cole's decision to move to Liverpool.
The England midfielder turned down the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal to move to Anfield on a free transfer after his release from Chelsea, despite the Reds failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season.
The news that Gerrard persuaded Cole to leave London for Merseyside could also be seen as a clear sign that their home-grown talisman could stay at Anfield following fevered speculation over his own future.
Hodgson has stated his desire to keep the likes of Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano, with Cole's signature showing a clear sign of the 62-year-old's intent.
The new Liverpool boss also stated that captain Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were major factors in Cole's move after talks with him in England's training camp during the World Cup.
"Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard did a good job in selling the club to Joe at the recent World Cup," said the Liverpool manager.
"He was undecided about what he wanted to do and to be fair it takes a bit more selling to persuade a Londoner who has played all his life in London to move up to Liverpool.
"The simple solution would have been to stay in the London area."