Ashley Cole will have to fight for his Chelsea place next season – despite signing a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Left-back Cole last week produced a surprise U-turn by signing Chelsea's one-year extension offer, which included a pay rise.
But the Sunday Mirror understands the Blues plan to start next season with 32-year-old Cole and his deputy Ryan Bertrand on an even footing.
The pair will get equal opportunities to cement their place as the club's first-choice left-back.
Chelsea drew up a development plan for 23-year-old Bertrand last year. They set him a target of making 15 Premier League appearances this season and he has already made 13.
Barring injury or loss of form, Bertrand is then expected to start next term 50-50 with Cole before beginning the 2014-15 season as Chelsea's first-choice left-back.
Chelsea decided against replacing England star Cole because they do not want to block highly-rated Bertrand's path.
It was also calculated that keeping the former Arsenal ace for an extra year on big wages would still be cheaper than trying to sign a replacement.
Southampton's promising 17-year-old left-back Luke Shaw remains on Chelsea's radar, but he would only be signed initially to provide further back-up.
Cole was also granted a rise to his £125,000-a-week wages to stay at Stamford Bridge, but captain John Terry may be forced to take a pay cut to extend his Chelsea stay.
Terry's contract is due to expire in 2014 and the club are unlikely to talk to the 32-year-old before the summer.
But given his age and recent injury problems, Terry cannot be certain of receiving a new offer and he is also very unlikely to retain his £175,000-a-week salary.
Unlike Cole, Chelsea already have ready-made replacements for centre-back Terry in Gary Cahill and David Luiz.
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