Chelsea are unconcerned over reports that their England midfielder Joe Cole is a transfer target for Manchester United. The Blues, while not publicly commenting on the suggestion, have privately dismissed the prospect as nothing more than speculation.
However, the longer Cole does not resolve his contract impasse with Chelsea, the more feverish the transfer speculation will become.
Talks on a new deal for Cole have dragged on for weeks and are no nearer being concluded.
The 28-year-old will be out of contract in the summer and is desperate to convince England boss Fabio Capello he is worth a place in his world cup squad this summer. But Cole's form continues to fall under the spotlight and his removal at half-time in the 4-1 FA Cup victory over Cardiff last Saturday has not helped.
Blues coach Carlo Ancelotti insists that Cole is an integral part of his plans but the player has yet to force his way back into the side on a regular basis since recovering from his knee ligament injury last year.
Cole has since started just nine games under the Italian and finished only three of them. He has made another six substitute appearances and that lack of playing time is beginning to hinder his chances of an England recall.
