Benitez delighted by Ashley Cole’s new contract

Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole is set to extend his contract with the club, according to manager Rafael Benitez.

The England international’s future with the Blues has been in doubt for some time, with rumours that owner Roman Abramovich looking to phase out high earning, older players.

This saw the 32-year-old linked with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, who were all keen to draft him in on a free transfer.

However, Cole is now set to sign a one-year extension within the next few days, news that has delighted Benitez:

“I am really pleased, the paperwork has to be done but the agreement is there,” he is quoted by Sky Sports.

This move has increased speculation surrounding the future of Frank Lampard.

The 34-year-old midfielder’s contract is also set to expire at the end of the season, and there are rumours that he will be allowed to leave.

He has been linked with LA Galaxy in recent times, with the MLS club believed to see him as the ideal replacement for David Beckham.

Despite his impressive recent form, Benitez hinted that his future is far from guaranteed:

“(He is) doing a great job … he is playing well, it is not my decision”

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