Chelsea have reopened negotiations with Nicolas Anelka over a
contract extension which would see the France international stay at
Stamford Bridge until 2013.
Discussions with Anelka's representatives stalled last month
over his desire for a £40,000-a-week pay hike which would take his
weekly earnings to £120,000.
With chief executive Ron Gourlay under instructions to reduce
outgoings, a compromise figure will still have to be reached if
Anelka is to stay beyond the summer of 2012 when his contract
expires.
New deal: Nicolas Anelka has demanded a
£40,000-a-week pay hike
News that Chelsea's hierarchy are ready to negotiate with Anelka
will come as a further blow to Joe Cole. There has yet to be any
movement on a new deal for Cole whose current contract expires in
the summer.
End of the road? Joe Cole's contract runs out at
the end of the season
Meanwhile, Ashley Cole is due to return from a spell in a sports
injuries clinic in France this weekend to continue his
rehabilitation from a broken ankle.
Frank Arnesen is to hold talks with Chelsea youngster Miroslav
Stoch next week after his impressive form on loan at FC Twente.
