Despite rumours of a move away from the club, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole will stay at Stamford Bridge next season.
The Englishman's contract runs out in the summer, and he has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham after so far failing to agree a new deal with his current club.
But Ancelotti, who has used Cole only sparingly this season, is certain the 28-year-old will remain with the club he supported as a boy.
"He will stay at Chelsea next year - of that I am 100 per cent clear. He will be in the squad for next year," Ancelotti said ahead of Saturday's game against West Ham United.
"It’s my aim and the aim of the club to keep him in the squad because Joe Cole is an important player, a very professional player, and one who has a lot of quality.
"For these reasons, we want to keep him.”
Ancelotti's assistant Ray Wilkins echoed the sentiment, playing down reports that the club's board was reluctant to offer Cole a new deal.
“We are desperate to keep Joe. I know the club is and we as a management group feel the same. He is a valuable asset to us," he said.
“I have spoken to Joe on numerous occasions and he is upbeat about his future here.
"He loves Chelsea. He wants to stay at Chelsea and I’m sure the club and his people will sort the situation out.
"We sincerely hope he is here next season."
The Englishman's contract runs out in the summer, and he has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham after so far failing to agree a new deal with his current club.
But Ancelotti, who has used Cole only sparingly this season, is certain the 28-year-old will remain with the club he supported as a boy.
"He will stay at Chelsea next year - of that I am 100 per cent clear. He will be in the squad for next year," Ancelotti said ahead of Saturday's game against West Ham United.
"It’s my aim and the aim of the club to keep him in the squad because Joe Cole is an important player, a very professional player, and one who has a lot of quality.
"For these reasons, we want to keep him.”
Ancelotti's assistant Ray Wilkins echoed the sentiment, playing down reports that the club's board was reluctant to offer Cole a new deal.
“We are desperate to keep Joe. I know the club is and we as a management group feel the same. He is a valuable asset to us," he said.
“I have spoken to Joe on numerous occasions and he is upbeat about his future here.
"He loves Chelsea. He wants to stay at Chelsea and I’m sure the club and his people will sort the situation out.
"We sincerely hope he is here next season."
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