The Blues are determined to tie key members of their squad down to new deals in order to keep their squad as competitive as possible in the year ahead, prompting them to extend the contracts of Alex and Salomon Kalou earlier this month.

"We want to keep Joe Cole because he's in the same situation as Alex and Kalou," said Ancelotti.

John Terry, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and Michael Mancienne have committed themselves to the club this season and the next name on Chelsea's negotiating list is Cole.

Ancelotti added: "They signed new contracts because they are good young players and we want to keep them in our squad.

"We want to maintain the squad because that will ensure it stays very competitive. We need these players for the future.

"They are young but are also experienced because they have played a lot of important games. The fact Alex and Kalou want to stay is a good sign for the club.

"Our aim is to maintain the squad and maybe change one or two players at the end of the season."