Chelsea battle to keep stars

Wednesday, 10/03/2010

Chelsea look set to offer German midfielder Michael Ballack a new one-year contract - but only if he will accept a big wage cut.

Ballack, who is set to play in the World Cup finals, arrived at Stamford Bridge on a free but he is one of the club's highest earners. He has reportedly been asked to halve his wages to £60,000 a week.

The Blues also look likely to offer a contract extension to France striker Nicolas Anelka to take his deal to 2013. He said recently that he would love to finish his career with the club.

Meanwhile, despite club officials saying they want Joe Cole to remain at Chelsea, there appears to be no progress on a new deal for the midfielder who is out-of-contract in the summer. The star, who has also stated his desire to stay with the club, has failed to recapture his form since suffering a series of major injuries and his place in the England side is also under threat.

If Cole was to leave there would be no shortage of takers with Manchester United and Tottenham both keen on one of England's most gifted players.

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