Source: Telegraph
Chelsea want Joe Cole to commit longterm future to club
Chelsea 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 Kalou this week.
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.
"We want to keep Joe Cole because he's in the same situation as Alex and Kalou," said Ancelotti.
"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."
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 be 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."
Chelsea could temporarily extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points tomorrow with their trip to Aston Villa the day's early kick-off.
An emphatic 2-0 victory over title rivals Liverpool nearly a fortnight ago restored the confidence dented by their shock 3-1 defeat at Wigan.
Petr Cech returns from suspension for the clash at Villa Park but Michael Ballack has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
