Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins says the Blues (13/8 2010/2011 Premier League champions) are desperate to try and keep Joe Cole at Stamford Bridge.

The 28-year-old is set to see his contract expire with the west London outfit at the end of June and there are plenty of clubs interested in securing his services should he fail to negotiate a new deal with Chelsea.

The likes of Manchester United, West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal have all been linked with a move for the England (13/2 to win the World Cup) international, who is stalling over signing a new contract due to money issues.

Cole allegedly wants to see his weekly pay rise from £80,000 to £100,000, a sum Chelsea are unwilling to match.

It seems unlikely that any of the other clubs believed to be interested in Cole would be prepared to match his wage demands and as such he may have to settle for what the Blues are offering.

However, having been used sparingly by manager Carlo Ancelotti last season, Cole might see his future lying elsewhere.

Manchester United (2/1 2010/11 Premier League champions) have long been credited with an interest in the former West Ham (1500/1) youngster, although it could cost them a bit to persuade him to move out of London.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has said he thought the club couldn’t afford Cole’s wage demands, and West Ham would appear to be in a similar boat with their financial troubles.

Arsenal looks the most likely destination for Cole and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has previously admitted the proposition of signing Cole was “interesting”.

The north London club are desperate to strengthen their side ahead of the new season having failed to claim any silverware since their 2005 FA Cup success.

With captain Cesc Fabregas reportedly on the verge of leaving, Wenger could be handed a big transfer budget to try and replace the Spaniard, with Cole a possible candidate to try and fill the void left by Fabergas.

However, any ideas Arsenal have about signing the playmaker could be stopped in their tracks following Wilkins’ comments.

He says the Blues are still fighting to keep Cole and would be very happy to see him stay at Stamford Bridge.

“We’ve obviously been in dialogue with Joe for months now and it’s pretty evident that Carlo and myself would love Joe to stay but it’s down now to the club to see what we can do,” said Wilkins.

“We sincerely hope Joe stays with us – he’s a smashing guy and he’s a wonderful footballer so we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

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