Cole wants Chelsea future but boy from Brazil could bring on the Blues

Cole took the opportunity to make a point to the new manager by scoring the first goal of the Scolari era in the 4-0 victory over Portsmouth yesterday. The 26-year-old England midfielder knows he faces a fight for his place this season, especially with the club expecting to sign Robinho before the end of the month.

Crowning glory: Cole celebrates scoring in Chelsea's 4-0 rout of Portsmouth

Cole has two years left on his contract but talks over a new one have been postponed until next summer and it has been reported he is concerned over his Chelsea future.

Aston Villa and Liverpool have both been linked with Cole, but he said: 'I love it here, the club wants to sign me and there won’t be any problems on that front. I will be a Chelsea player for the rest of my career.

'I wanted to put negotiations to bed for now because I want to concentrate on my performances and play well because it’s not nice for the fans to have an ongoing thing.

'Obviously, we wanted to get it sorted out this year, but with the new manager coming in and players coming in and out, there wasn’t enough time.'

Cole admitted he will have to play the best football of his career if he wants to stay in the side.

Chelsea strolled to an impressive victory despite being without the injured Michael Essien and Didier Drogba, while Michael Ballack limped off with an ankle problem in the first half.

The German will have a scan today but hopes to back for Scolari (left) within a week.

The club have confirmed they have made a second bid for Robinho so competition for places will be intense if the Brazilian joins.

Cole added: 'I know I have to step it up again. Football is a game that doesn’t stand still. I performed well last season and the fans voted me Player of the Year, but that’s all in the past now. It was important for me to have a good game against Portsmouth.

'The main thing was that the team got a good result, but I am competing with other people in the squad and you want to play well.

'When you join a big club you have to expect competition. I have always thrived on it. I love competing and learning from these big players.'

Cole insisted Chelsea’s display sent a message to their Premier League rivals and will have got Manchester United, who only managed to draw 1-1with Newcastle, worried.

He said: 'It’s early days, but this result does make a point. We watched United beat Fulham 5-1 two years ago and we all thought

‘United are going to be really strong. I’m sure they will think the same about us.'