Blues silent as Spurs dig for Cole

Chelsea have yet to comment on speculation that Tottenham have made a £2m (€3m) bid for their fringe striker Carlton Cole.

Spurs are looking for a new striker following Fredi Kanoute’s sale to Sevilla and an expected three-match suspension for Egyptian forward Mido.

He was given his marching order by Rob Styles for elbowing Asier Del Horno and now faces a three-match ban.

There are suggestions the FA may increase this punishment to an extra game because of the player’s refusal to leave the pitch immediately.

Mido wants the FA to quash the ban so he can play against Liverpool and is awaiting the outcome of an appeal.

Spurs have now targeted Cole and are believed to have made an official offer of £2m for his services.

Chelsea are unlikely to allow him to quit the club permanently but may agree to a season-long loan.

Cole spent much of last season at Aston Villa on a similar arrangement and as he is fourth choice striker behind Hernan Crespo, Didier Drogba and Eidur Gudjohnsen it would suit coach Jose Mourinho to allow him to get more first team action at White Hart Lane on a temporary basis.

Meanwhile, Mourinho says he has no intention of resting England midfielder Frank Lampard because he wants him to set a new Premiership record for consecutive appearances in the top flight.

Lampard, (27), took his tally to 150 against Spurs on Saturday – his second game in four days following the birth of daughter Luna by partner Elen.

He is now just 10 games away from eclipsing England goalkeeper David James’ record of 159 and his quest to achieve it has the full backing of the Blues boss.

Mourinho said: “Sometimes you are tired from the physical point of view but if you have a fresh mind and heart, it doesn’t matter.

“I think that is what has happened to him. He is not sleeping so well, he is running, training, hospital, house but the heart is full and the brains are jumping with happiness.

“I had thought about resting him in the past but I am aware of the record and I don’t want to break that just because I want to give him a rest.

“So until I can, I want him to continue on with his record because I think he will be unbeatable. 150 games and 51 goals – it is fantastic.”