Ancelotti refusing to offer Cole guarantees

CARLO ANCELOTTI insists Joe Cole will be a Chelsea player next season even though he cannot guarantee him regular first-team football.

The Italian coach will leave Cole on the bench for today’s FA Cup fourth- round tie against Preston at Deepdale. The England midfielder’s current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer and talks over a new deal have yet to reach a conclusion.

The main stumbling block is understood to be Cole’s desire for regular first-team football as opposed to a massive hike in his salary. But while Ancelotti insists the player will still be at the club next season, like the rest of his squad, he cannot guarantee the 28-year-old a regular start.