The Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo has said that he is extremely optimistic that Chelsea will be able to come to an agreement with the defender Ashley Cole over the possibility of extending his contract.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, while he will be able to talk with other clubs in January. Meanwhile, Frank Lampard is also out of contract at the end of the season. Chelsea have made it no secret of their desire to ship out on the older players last season. Players like Didier Drogba have left the club after not being offered a new contract.

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole's future has been thrown into doubt after it has emerged that the club are yet to open talks with the England defender over the possibility of signing a new deal with the club.

The contract of the former Arsenal star comes to an end at the end of this season. He would be free to negotiate with the interested parties in six months time. However, there has been no sign of an offer from the club. It is thought that Ashley Cole would also prefer to move to the MLS in search of a new challenge.

Brazilian club São Paulo have decided to reject the £ 32 million offer from Chelsea for star midfielder Lucas Moura. The 19-year-old midfielder has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe including the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay has said that the club will not be making a decision on the next manager until the end of the season.

Chelsea recently won the fourth FA Cup trophy in six years under interim manager Roberto di Matteo.

Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo has ruled out left back Ashley Cole for the match against Wigan in the weekend. Ashley Cole suffered an ankle injury during the match against Benfica on Wednesday night.

He is amazing run into the box and Chelsea the penalty, which was duly converted by Frank Lampard. It proved to be the difference between the two clubs, as Chelsea made it into the semifinals of the Champions League nervously.

Controversial Chelsea Football Club and England international left back Ashley Cole is eyeing a summer move away from Stamford Bridge with Barcelona his likely destination.