Ron Gourlay has confirmed the club is in talks over a new contract with Joe Cole as our number 10 heads towards his 28th birthday.

The midfielder will celebrate the day of his birth on Sunday when we host Manchester United and Gourlay insists negotiations have already begun to keep him at the Blues next season.

A lifelong Chelsea fan, Cole first arrived at the Bridge as a player in 2003, following West Ham's relegation. It was in east London that the spritely youngster had been made captain before the call west beckoned.

During his time at the club, Cole has netted 37 goals and cemented his place in both the side and the fans' hearts.

Which is why, as he spoke exclusively to Chelsea TV, our new chief executive explained where the contract situation currently stands.

'We are already in discussions with Joe,' said Gourlay.

'The situation is that he is coming to the end of his contract, he is 28-years-old on the day of the Manchester United game and we're entering into the period where Joe is looking to negotiate his new contract.

'That process has started, Joe has made it very clear that he wants to stay with the football club and I'm sure in the coming months we will be able to work something out.'

Cole is one of the only long-standing players in the squad who has not yet signed contract extensions.

'We are in a good condition as far as that side is concerned,' noted Gourlay.

'The only thing we have to deal with is the African Cup which is coming up and there's a potential we'll lose four key players for six to eight games, depending on how far we go in the Carling Cup and FA Cup, but we are in good shape so long as we can keep the players fit.'