Hyper-popular Chelsea duo John Terry and Ashley Cole have been hogging the headlines a bit this weekend. It’s farewell to international football for JT – tears will be being shed all over the land at the loss of such a fine, dignified ambassador – but hello new contract, perhaps, for Ashley Cole.



Cole - known for almost swerving off the road when displeased with the amount of money he's being offered - got a rare goal as Chelsea, post-Champions League exertions, ground out a 1-0 win against Stoke at Stamford Bridge, and that could be a useful step towards a new Chelsea deal.

Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo said he was “optimistic” that Cole, whose Stamford Bridge contract expires in the summer, would soon agree a new deal. The Italian said he was not worried by the possibility that Cole could reach January in a position where he might sign a pre-contract agreement with a rival club.

The Mail quotes Di Matteo as saying: “I'm very optimistic that it will be dealt with before that. He has become a legend - he is now Chelsea through and through.

“He's been here many years and has contributed a lot to this club, and he's a fantastic pro. He's one of the best left-backs in the world.”

Fulham, making such a good start to the season, could add to their ranks by signing free agent Nigel Reo-Coker, says the Telegraph.

Reo-Coker has been without a club since choosing not to extend his contract with relegated Bolton in the summer, and Cottagers manager Martin Jol, who has seen four midfielders move on since the end of last season, could add him to fellow free agent Giorgos Karagounis, who arrived in West London two weeks ago.

The paper also touts Owen Hargreaves and Thomas Hizlsperger, both of whom are currently without a club, as other possible signings. Former Spurs boss Jol is keen to add greater depth to his team, who secured a 2-1 win at Wigan on Saturday.

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