Joe Cole undergoing medical

London - Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole was on Thursday having a medical examination at West Ham United with a view to rejoining the club where he began his career, according to Britain's Press Association.

Cole has failed to impose himself since arriving at Anfield from Chelsea in 2010, starting just nine Premier League games and spending last season on loan at French side Lille.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers does not seem pressed to find a place for Cole in his first team, prompting the 31-year-old to seek a return to West Ham, with whom he made his professional debut in 1999.

West Ham hope to complete the transfer in time for Cole to feature in Saturday's FA Cup third-round clash at home to Manchester United.

Liverpool's willingness to cancel the England international's contract means West Ham will not have to pay a transfer fee.

Harry Redknapp, the Queens Park Rangers manager, who handed Cole his debut at West Ham, revealed on Wednesday that he had missed out on a move for the player.

"I lost Joe, who would have been my first signing," said Redknapp, shortly after QPR's shock 1-0 win at Chelsea.

"He probably looked here and thought: 'Harry, I love you, but you're not going to stay up.'

"I like Joe and he would have been good for me. He's West Ham and they love him there. I thought he was coming for sure but West Ham came in today (Wednesday)."

Meanwhile, West Ham have confirmed that Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun has returned to his parent club, Chelsea.

Benayoun, who played for West Ham between 2005 and 2007, returned to the club on loan at the beginning of the season but injuries have prevented him from making an impression.

"West Ham United can confirm that the loan of @YossiBenayoun15 has ended and he has returned to @chelseafc," the club announced on their official Twitter page.

"The club would like to thank Yossi for his efforts during his second spell with the Hammers and wish him the best of luck for his future career."