Joe Cole happy with pre-season form as he prepares to fight for his Liverpool place

Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole says he is happy with his pre-season form ahead of the start of the new Premier League campaign.

The 29-year-old’s future at the club is under speculation after a disappointing debut year at Anfield and heavy summer investment in midfield by manager Kenny Dalglish.

“I've been happy with my performances,” Cole told the press on his return from a pre-season tour to Asia.

The England international featured in wins over Guangdong Sunray Cave and a Malaysian XI and was happy with the break prior to club's tour.

“This is the longest - six weeks - I've ever had off in the summer during my career so it's nice to get going again,” he said.

“Now I just want to get started. I feel great physically, I'm happy with how I'm performing and I want to get a couple of 90-minute run-outs under my belt.”

Cole disappointed after arriving on a free transfer under then-manager Roy Hodgson last summer, and was used sparingly by Dalglish after his arrival.

He now faces added competition for places in the side from new arrivals Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing, but Cole is focusing on his own preparation for the season ahead.

“There are four weeks until the start of the Premier League so there's still some time to go. I'm enjoying it,” he added.

“I want to take it day by day. Training has been good. I want to get myself fit and get a little bit better every day.”

Reports persist, however, that Cole, one of the club's highest earners, may be sold to reduce the wage bill.