David Ngog scored a double and Joe Cole scored his first goal for Liverpool as the Reds beat Steaua Bucharest 4-1 in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The midfielder had the honour of firing home the club’s fastest ever goal in European competition on 27 seconds before Ngog (penalty) and substitute Lucas Leiva put them back in the driving seat after Cristian Tanase had levelled with a sublime first-half finish.

Ngog then put the icing on the cake with a well taken fourth in injury-time to take his tally to six for the season so far.

It means Liverpool have opened their Group K account with an important victory and also sees Hodgson become the first Reds manager in history to win his first five European games.

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Liverpool beat Tottenham and Arsenal off in the race to sign 28-year old Joe Cole on a free transfer.

Joe Cole’s contract ended with Chelsea this summer.

Joe is to undergo a medical before the transfer is completed, but he is set to sign a four year deal at Anfield.  It is believed that Liverpool have been tracking the player for the last few months, watching to see if he would sign an extension with Chelsea.

A statement from Liverpool FC reads:

‘Liverpool FC are delighted to confirm the signing of Joe Cole on a four-year deal.

‘The England midfielder has agreed personal terms with the Reds and will undergo a medical in the next 48 hours.

‘Cole becomes the club’s second signing of the summer after Milan Jovanovic.

With Yossi Benayoun having travelled in the opposite direction earlier this month, this deal can be seen as a direct replacement.

In the past two seasons Joe has made 39 Premier League appearances, and has scored 4 times.

Source: anfield-online.co.uk

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger stated that he is great admirer of England star Joe Cole.

Cole has been strongly linked with a move to the Gunners after Chelsea confirmed earlier this week the midfielder would be leaving Stamford Bridge next month following the expiration of his contract.

A host of sides, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham have been credited with an interest in Cole, but reports suggest Arsenal are leading the hunt for the former West Ham man.

Wenger refused to confirm his side would be making a summer swoop for Cole, but admitted he was a fan of the talented 28-year-old.

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