LONDON, May 19 - England midfielder Joe Cole wants to sign a new Chelsea
contract before the World Cup to avoid any distractions at the finals in
Germany.
Cole, who joined the champions from West Ham United in 2003, has a year
left on his current deal and wants to clear the air before the tournament when
the subject could be a regular target for the massed English media.
"There is no way I want to leave Chelsea," he told reporters. "The contract
talks are going well. I've talked to (chief executive) Peter Kenyon and I
believe we want the same things.
"It's not about money, that part of the contract is done, but there are still
a few things to be sorted out.
"We're not far away though and I'm hoping we can get everything sorted out
before the World Cup so there are no distractions before what is one of the most
important times in my career so far."
Cole, who has blossomed under Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho over the past two
years, is virtually certain to start for England in Germany -- either in his
usual left midfield slot or as a stand-in forward for injured Wayne Rooney.
The 24-year-old has never had it so good with England. "I've been involved in
two big tournaments now, the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 and in total I've
played 10 minutes of football, as a substitute against Sweden in Japan.
"It was great experience both times and invaluable to me. But I have to admit
I felt like a spare part at times, particularly in Portugal.
"It's marvellous to be in any England squad but at the end of the day I want
to play."
Speaking at England's Portugal training camp, he said: "I definitely feel
more confident now, more established.
"I've just come off a good season at Chelsea and I'm ready for this."
Cole is unfazed by the arrival at Stamford Bridge of Germany captain Michael
Ballack, a potential rival.
