Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed Ashley Cole has reached an agreement with the club over a new contract, but sidestepped any talk about the future of Frank Lampard.
The 32-year-old Cole, one of the world’s top left backs, is expected to sign his deal on Monday.
“I am really pleased; the paperwork has to be done but the agreement is there,” Benitez said.
Lampard appears to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, however, with the club yet to offer him a new contract.
Speaking after Sunday’s 2-1 win over Arsenal, in which Lampard scored a penalty, Benitez said the 34-year-old midfielder is “doing a great job … he is playing well” but stressed “it is not my decision” to extend his stay at the club.