Chelsea

Fresh after firing the Blues to the top of the table with his opening goal against Portsmouth on the weekend, Joe Cole has expressed his desire to stay at Chelsea for the long-term.

Following the example set by Chelsea and England colleague Frank Lampard, Cole has moved to wrap up a new contract that would keep the imp-footed midfielder at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his career.

Speaking while on international duty with the England squad this week, JC explained; “I love it here, the club want to sign me and there won’t be any problems. I suggested that I concentrate on my performances this season because it’s not nice for the fans to have an ongoing thing, but I will be a Chelsea player for the rest of my career.”

While not actually name checking Lampard it is clear that JC does not wish to have a repeat of Frank’s contract saga, one that has engulfed Stamford Bridge over the past two and a half years.

This news comes as a boost for supporters following speculation linking the little maestro with moves to, among others, Martin O’Neil’s Aston Villa.

With worries hanging over our frontline JC could be one of the most important players for us over the upcoming campaign. However his progress in the team could yet be stunted, with the possible arrival of the overpriced and unreliable Brazilian winger Robinho from Spanish giants Real Madrid casting doubt over his place in the side.