By Rob Draper
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Roberto di Matteo has urged Chelsea to keep Ashley Cole, with Sunday's opponents Manchester United and Paris St Germain heading the race to sign the England left-back next summer when his contract at Stamford Bridge runs out.
Cole has rejected Chelsea's offer of a one-year deal and PSG are in pole position to sign him as they can start talks in January whereas United would have to wait until May to have face-to-face talks under Premier League rules.
Plea: Roberto di Matteo wants to keep Ashley Cole
Cole's former manager at Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti, is keen for him to join PSG next season but United, who take on Chelsea today in the top-of-the-table clash, are also looking at Cole as an option.
And manager Di Matteo is now anxious for Chelsea to resolve the impasse and agree a new deal.
'Of course I would like him to stay here, said Di Matteo.
'That's something they have to sort out between the two parties, player and club. My recommendation, my wish is that he stays here.'
Ongoing negotiations: Ashley Cole
Cole, 31, is holding out for a longer contract but the board show no sign of compromising their policy of only offering deals of one year to a player over the age of 30, even though Di Matteo has made his feelings clear.
'He's a fit boy, he plays every game or he can play every game so he has many years in front of him,' said Di Matteo.
'There are ongoing negotiations with the club and that is something that he discusses with the club. My point is that I would like him to stay and be here with us.
'For me, he's one of the best left-backs in the world and a great asset for this team and club. He's very good defensively and offensively provides a lot of attacking options.
'His positional awareness is very good and he's got experience. Technically he's good, he's got stamina - he's got everything.'
Asked whether the club should reconsider their policy of only offering one-year deals to older players, Di Matteo said: 'Every case is different, You would have to look at it individually, every player depending on the history and their physical condition.
'Ultimately, I make recommendations [but] the board makes the final decision on those issues.'
Frank Lampard, meanwhile, is on the radar of Major League Soccer, as a possible big-name replacement for David Beckham.
Asked if he was worried about what could happen in January, Di Matteo said: 'Yeah, but that's the world of football. That's how you live in this world, in this industry.
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'We had the same last season with some players and, at the end of the day, we all have to be professional and try to do our best, even though maybe the contract is not sorted out.'
Meanwhile, Di Matteo confirmed John Obi Mikel was in talks over a new contract, amid reports the midfielder would be offered a five-year deal.
He also insisted there was no chance of John Terry not seeing out the remaining two years of his Chelsea contract, branding reports linking the club's captain with Valencia 'nonsense'.
The only reason I see Cole rejecting united would be Ferdinand. Ferdinand is a legend for united ! and after all that has happened Cole will have bitter taste still to link up with Rio ! undoubtedly best leftback on planet ! Evra is past his best ! and very poor in big games unlike Cole . No one can forget his blunder in 2011 CL final ! Cole was MOM in CL 2012!
- Vandon , Manchester, 28/10/2012 02:24
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