Cole's Chelsea future in doubt as Benitez lies in wait

Cole fears he will be frozen out of the starting XI when the Barclays Premier League season starts against Portsmouth on Sunday and he has also been spooked by the potential arrival of Robinho.

Midfield battlers: Ballack (left) tackles team-mate Cole in training

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who believes he has been priced out of a move for Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, is aware of Cole’s predicament and is prepared to make a move if Chelsea indicate a willingness to sell.

Sportsmail can reveal that Scolari has not been convinced by the England midfielder in pre-season and has urged Chelsea to sign Robinho as a direct replacement.

Cole has proved himself time and again at Chelsea under a number of managers and he is willing to stay at Stamford Bridge if he believes he will be given a chance.

His relationship with former boss Jose Mourinho deteriorated to such an extent last summer that he explored the possibility of moving to Barcelona, but Frank Rijkaard did not follow up his initial interest.

The arrival of Deco, who has been the club’s best player during the their double training sessions under Scolari, in a swollen Chelsea midfield and the rehabilitation of Shaun Wright-Phillips has left Cole fighting for a place.

Scolari has also been impressed by John Mikel Obi since taking over and he is fighting for a place in a talented midfield along with Deco, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack.

Chelsea continue to court Robinho and have even offered Andriy Shevchenko and Claudio Pizarro to Real Madrid as part of a possible exchange, but the Spanish champions are not interested.