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 weekendManchester 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.The England star has been contract negotiations with the Blues for weeks but are no closer to resolving the situation.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.He has started just nine games and finished three under Ancelotti since returning from a cruciate ligament injury last Septemner.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.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. No end in sight: Contract negotiations over a new deal have dragged on for weeksThere 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.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. 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

Source: Daily_Mail