United ready to swoop for Joe Cole

Both Cole and Chelsea have made the right noises in recent times - saying they do not want to part company. However, it has been reported that negotiations have stalled over the midfielder's salary demands of £120,000 a week.

Cole's contract is due to expire this summer and if both parties fail to come to an agreement, the creative midfielder is certain to attract the attention of some high profile clubs.

According to the Daily Express, the biggest of them all - Manchester United - are looking to swoop. With Ryan Giggs in the twilight of his career, it is claimed that Sir Slex Ferguson is looking for a suitable replacement and that the wily Scot is an admirer of the mercurial Cole. Cole has also been linked with a move to Italy.