Chelsea head coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he is desperate to keep England midfielder Joe Cole at the end next season, with talks over a new contract having ground to a halt.
The 28-year-old's current deal runs out in the summer and Manchester United are rumoured to be ready to move to try and tempt Cole to head to Old Trafford.
However, an upbeat Ancelotti said:"He will stay at Chelsea next year, of that I am 100 per cent clear. He will be in the squad for next year.
"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 number two, Ray Wilkins, added:"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. He is a valuable asset to us."