Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Contract talks bother Cole

23 Mar 2010 - 07:47:15

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Chelsea's England international midfielder Joe Cole has confirmed that contract talks at Stamford Bridge have hit the buffers.

The 28-year-old's current deal runs out at the end of the season, with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City keeping tabs on the situation.

Cole told The Sun: "I've never spoken publicly about contracts before.

"I don't think contracts should really be discussed mid-season. I have always signed mine in the summer in the past.

"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. I still hope to talk in the summer."

Cole joined Chelsea in the summer of 2003 from West Ham United and has since scored 37 goals in 272 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the Blues have also been hit by the news that Serbia defender Branislav Ivanovic is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

Ivanovic damaged ligaments in his right knee in the 1-1 weekend draw with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.