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Frank Lampard today urged Chelsea to hand Joe Cole a new contract.
The 27-year-old's deal runs out at the end of this season and there has been little progress in negotiations since Cole suffered a fresh knee injury last month.
And although Chelsea insist the England midfielder is not for sale Tottenham still haven't given up hope of signing him.
Chelsea have agreed new deals with several key players this summer including captain John Terry and striker Didier Drogba and Lampard believes it is vital they make sure Cole stays as well.
He said: "It will be great if he follows all the others and signs a new contract.
"It's for Joe and the club to sort out but he is part of the furniture now.
"It is very important that the club keep the affiliation with the English players, the fans relate to us. We have become a core of the club and Joe's a member of that."
Cole hasn't played for the first team since suffering a serious knee ligament injury in January.
Lampard believes that his Chelsea team-mate's imminent return will be a boost for the club after manager Carlo Ancelotti's admission that he won't be buying any more players this summer.
He added: "Joe coming back will be like a new signing for us.
"He has been out since January and that is a long time to be without someone of his talent. He is looking to be back in the next few weeks."
Lampard, who is set to win his 71st cap in England's friendly away at Holland in Amsterdam tomorrow, is also looking forward to playing alongside the former West Ham star for the national team again.
He added: "Joe has been a big miss for England as well as Chelsea. Before he had his injury he was playing fantastically."
Reader views (3)
When you say "bring on", Neil, you mean, "buy from West Ham".
- Stu, Beckton, 12/08/2009 15:42
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No club is going to offer a player a new contract until, the player, returns from injury, stays fit / injury free and returns to form. Its called smart business.
- Don Johnson, Miami, FL, 12/08/2009 02:22
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I agree with Super Frank - Chelsea, in fact all Premiership clubs, need an English/British/Irish core to maintain what's left of the connection between these very gifted and privileged individuals and the dedicated followers of the game. We must keep Joe Cole and bring on fresh local talent if the game is to continue to mean so much to so many people.
- Neil, Bedford, England, 11/08/2009 13:06
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