Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United set to enter race for Cole as contract talks with Chelsea stall
Hauled off: Joe Cole was substituted at half-time in the FA Cup victory over Cardiff City last weekend[LNB]Manchester United are weighing up a move for Chelsea's unsettled midfielder Joe Cole who is still yet to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]The England star has been contract negotiations with the Blues for weeks but are no closer to resolving the situation.[LNB]Cole has so failed to impress Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and was hauled off by the Italian at half-time in the FA Cup win over Cardiff City last weekend after a poor display.[LNB]He has started just nine games and finished three under Ancelotti since returning from a cruciate ligament injury last Septemner.[LNB]The 28-year-old is out of contract in the summer and that has alerted United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, according to The Daily Express.[LNB]Cole would be an ideal replacement on the left of midfield when Ryan Giggs finally hangs up his boots. He would also be available on a free transfer much like former Newcastle striker Michael Owen was last season.[LNB] No end in sight: Contract negotiations over a new deal have dragged on for weeks[LNB]There is also the prospect of Spurs coming in for Cole, who has alsobeen linked with AC Milan, as it was Harry Redknapp who helped turn theplayer into a star during his days as manager of West Ham.[LNB]But Cole's £80,000-a-week wages would be a stumbling block for Spurs boss Redknapp. Cole is reported to want to be moved into the same £120,000-plus wage bracket as players such asNicolas Anelka but Chelsea are reluctant to do so.[LNB] Luis Fabiano puts Manchester City and Chelsea on alert for £15m summer transfer scrambleChelsea stars Didier Drogba and Michael Essien make shortlist for 2009 African Footballer of the Year CHELSEA FC
