Talks on a new deal for Cole have dragged on for weeks and are no nearer being concluded.

Cole, 28, will be out of contract in the summer and clubs are now beginning to be alerted that his future is becoming increasingly uncertain. Sir Alex Ferguson has been an admirer of Cole for some time and the prospect of picking up such an experienced and talented player on the cheap would be an attractive one.

United boss Ferguson is looking for reinforcements on the left for Ryan Giggs and Cole, who could be available as a free agent, would be a bargain.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp groomed Cole at West Ham and turned him into a star.

He would love to take him to White Hart Lane but Cole’s £80,000-a-week wages at Stamford Bridge are out of his range. Cole has told friends that he would at some stage like to play under Ferguson. He would like to stay at his first love, Chelsea, but talks over a new deal are at a stalemate.