Cole reveals breakdown in contract talks as rivals wait to pounce for ace

23 March 2010 13:05
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has revealed that contract talks between him and the club have broken down.[LNB]The 28-year-old's current deal expires in the summer, and he could leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.[LNB]However, Cole is keen to sign a new deal with the Blues.[LNB] Heads up: Chelsea star Joe Cole in action against Inter Milan in the Champions League last week[LNB]The news is sure to put Chelsea's main rivals on red alert, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs all linked with the player.[LNB]Cole: Wants to sign a new deal to stay with Chelsea[LNB]'I've never spoken publicly about contracts before,' he said.[LNB]'I don't think contracts should really be discussed mid-season. I have always signed mine in the summer in the past.[LNB]'But this time it's different. We can't seem to find common ground and it's distracting. At the moment there is no offer on the table, so I know where I stand.[LNB]Cole added in the Sun: 'I still hope to talk in the summer.'[LNB]Cole has missed much of this season with a serious knee injury, and has struggled to force his way into Carlo Ancelotti's team since returning.[LNB]The Italian coach recently said he was '100 per cent certain' Cole would still be at the club next season.[LNB]The midfielder has been with Chelsea since joining from West Ham in a £6.6million deal in 2003.[LNB]He played a key role in helping the Blues to two successive Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho in 2005 and 2006.[LNB] United poised to swoop for summer free agent Cole, if contract talks failJoe Cole faces Chelsea exit as Roman balks at wage demandsJoe Cole: I've got to prove myself again at Chelsea, but that doesn't scare me - I've been doing that since I was 16Branislav Ivanovic out for a month as Chelsea injury crisis growsGive Chelsea the Blues and join Barca! Robben dishes out advice to RiberyCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail