Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti hopes Joe Cole will become the latest player to pledge his future to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are determined to tie key members of their squad down to new deals, given that they are unable to make signings in the next two transfer windows.

They extended the contracts of Alex and Salomon Kalou this week. John Terry, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and Michael Mancienne have committed themselves to the club this season, and the next name on Chelsea's negotiating list is Joe Cole.

"We want to keep Joe Cole because he's in the same situation as Alex and Kalou," said Ancelotti. "They signed new contracts because they are good young players and we want to keep them in our squad.

"We want to maintain the squad because that will ensure it stays very competitive. We need these players for the future. They are young but are also experienced because they have played a lot of important games.

"The fact Alex and Kalou want to stay is a good sign for the club. Our aim is to maintain the squad and maybe change one or two players at the end of the season."