Joe Cole is demanding assurances over his future from
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari after Liverpool declared an
interest in the England midfielder. Cole fears he will be frozen
out of the starting XI when the Barclays Premier League season
starts against Portsmouth on Sunday and he has also been spooked by
the potential arrival of Robinho.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who believes he has been priced out
of a move for Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, is aware of Cole’s
predicament and is prepared to make a move if Chelsea indicate a
willingness to sell.
Sportsmail can reveal that Scolari has not been convinced by the
England midfielder in pre-season and has urged Chelsea to sign
Robinho as a direct replacement.
Cole has proved himself time and again at Chelsea under a number
of managers and he is willing to stay at Stamford Bridge if he
believes he will be given a chance.
His relationship with former boss Jose Mourinho deteriorated to
such an extent last summer that he explored the possibility of
moving to Barcelona, but Frank Rijkaard did not follow up his
initial interest.
The arrival of Deco, who has been the club’s best player during
the their double training sessions under Scolari, in a swollen
Chelsea midfield and the rehabilitation of Shaun Wright-Phillips
has left Cole fighting for a place.
Scolari has also been impressed by John Mikel Obi since taking
over and he is fighting for a place in a talented midfield along
with Deco, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack.
Chelsea continue to court Robinho and have even offered Andriy
Shevchenko and Claudio Pizarro to Real Madrid as part of a possible
exchange, but the Spanish champions are not interested.