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Joe Cole has confirmed that he still has not been offered a new deal by Chelsea, although he still hopes to reach an agreement in the summer.

The midfielder’s current contract expires at the end of the season at which point he could leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.

Reports have also suggested that Chelsea are not prepared to meet the wage demands of Cole, who has struggled to re-establish himself in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI since returning from injury.

“I’ve never spoken publicly about contracts before,” Cole said in The Sun.

“I don’t think contracts should really be discussed mid-season. I have always signed mine in the summer in the past.

“But this time it’s different. We can’t seem to find common ground and it’s distracting. At the moment there is no offer on the table, so I know where I stand.

“I still hope to talk in the summer.”

Cole missed most of 2009 following knee surgery and concedes that he has struggled to rediscover his best form.

Cole recognises that he needs to play regularly over the next couple of months if he is to break into the England squad ahead of the World Cup.

Speaking about his fitness, Cole stated: “There are no niggles. Of course, I am not match fit, but how can I be when I don’t play?”

“I want to be part of the Chelsea team to win the Premier League and the FA Cup. But I need an opportunity to start games back to back.”

“I know I can help my team achieve our dream this season if given a chance. I am not giving up on this Chelsea team.

“I am not giving up on England and the World Cup either. I need to be playing consistently well for Chelsea before I can hope to be part of the World Cup squad.

“I just want to play football for Chelsea.”

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