Ancelotti: Joe Cole will sign

[Rambo 1,729]

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is confident Joe Cole will sign a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.

The midfielder's current deal expires at the end of the season and, with talks over fresh terms still to bear fruit, he could leave on a free transfer.

Cole opened the scoring in Saturday's crucial 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford with a clever flick from Florent Malouda's cross to lift the Blues two points clear at the top of the table.

The former West Ham United ace has endured a frustrating season as he battles back after a long-term injury, with his place in Fabio Capello's England squad in real jeopardy due to his lack of action at club level this term.

economical problem Ancelotti admitted there is an 'economical problem' in discussions with Cole, but fully expects the 28-year-old to extend his stay and also secure a place on the plane to the World Cup.

The Italian said: "Joe Cole has the same focus as the rest of the team. He wants to play well and wants to win the title.

"For him, there is also a desire to go to the World Cup and if he carries on like he did here he will be there.

"Now he has some consistency in his game and that is good for him.

"He will definitely sign a new contract. There is no problem, don't worry.

"I've spoken a lot about Joe Cole with my club and everyone has a desire for him to stay at Chelsea and so does he.

"There is not a problem, it is an economical problem nothing else."

Cole has made 21 appearances for the Blues this season, scoring twice. But having regained his place in the side, he is now making the most of the opportunity to press his claims.

Cole will Sign

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Good to see, because if you think about, at the moment we have only two right wingers and will have three if Carlo decides to bring stoch in.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

Lets hope J.Cole's form continues well, that will be the only reason for him to get another contract.

[boshman 1,073]

Hope he does. I wouldn't like to see Joe playing for anyone else but us. I think with a good pre-season under his belt Joe could be back to his old ways next year.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Joe's being a crafty sod. By waiting till the end of the season he can accept offers from other clubs. Let's say he has a £100,000 a week offer from City on the table. He can then go to Chelsea, show them this offer, and then ask the club to demonstrate how much they want to keep him; ie. match or better the contract offer.

[zolayes 14,489]

we have to bring our wage bill under control ..if we give in to joe it will open the floodgates to others

yes joe is popular but be honest do you really think he is worth a pay rise??