Ancelotti eyes new deal for Cole

16 October 2009 17:37
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hopes Joe Cole will become the latest player to pledge his future to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are determined to tie key members of their squad down to new deals in response to FIFA's transfer ban, which prevents them from making any signings in the next two windows. They are appealing against the ban but are leaving nothing to risk, prompting them to extend the contracts of Alex and Salomon Kalou this week. "We want to keep Joe Cole because he's in the same situation as Alex and Kalou," said Ancelotti. John Terry, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and Michael Mancienne have committed themselves to the club this season and the next name on Chelsea's negotiating list is Cole. Ancelotti added: "They signed new contracts because they are good young players and we want to keep them in our squad. "We want to maintain the squad because that will ensure it stays very competitive. We need these players for the future. "They are young but are also experienced because they have played a lot of important games. The fact Alex and Kalou want to stay is a good sign for the club. "Our aim is to maintain the squad and maybe change one or two players at the end of the season." Chelsea were found guilty by FIFA of inducing teenager Gael Kakuta to breach his contract with Lens two years ago, resulting in their transfer ban, but they are confident the punishment will reduced or overturned when their appeal is heard by the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport. "We hope the appeal will be successful but we'll have to wait for the decision of FIFA," said Ancelotti. "All we can think about is the next game. It's important to wait and let the decision be made."

Source: Eurosport