Contract negotiations between Chelsea and Joe Cole appear to have hit an impasse, which has alerted Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham of the England international possible availability in the summer transfer window.

The midfielder's current deal runs out this summer, and stalled discussions could mean see Cole leave Stamford Bridge after seven seasons with Chelsea.

However, Cole does not wish to leave the Blues and is keen to re-open contract talks so that an agreement can be reached.

"I've never spoken publicly about contracts before,” Cole told The Sun.

"I don't think contracts should really be discussed mid-season. I have always signed mine in the summer in the past.

"But this time it's different. We can't seem to find common ground and it's distracting. At the moment there is no offer on the table, so I know where I stand. I still hope to talk in the summer."

The England International has made 272 appearances for the Blues since joining from West Ham United in 2003.

Cole is ranked in 1215 position in the Castrol Rankings, languishing in sixth place in Chelsea’s list of midfielders behind John Obi Mikel, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Florent Malouda and Frank Lampard, who is the Blues highest-placed midfielder.

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