Joe Cole Leave Chelsea...For Manchester United?

England international Joe Cole, who is currently in South Africa with the English squad ahead of the World Cup, could be on his way to Old Trafford next season.

Much speculation surrounding the midfielder's future, but today Chelsea have confirmed that the former West Ham player will leave the club after his contract expires at the end of the month.

Cole spent the last seven years at Stamford Bridge, but he found it difficult to brake into the starting 11. With numerous injuries, Cole's career was often put on the back foot.

Now he gets a chance to once again impress at the World Cup. With all eyes on South Africa, Cole will hope to be instrumental in England's success. They play their first match on June 12 against USA in Rustenburg.

Manchester United have long been linked with the creative midfielder, with Spurs and Liverpool also contesting for his signature.

Ferguson will see the signing as a major boost as his club suffers from major financial debt, a free transfer for the 28-year-old who has immense ability and experience would be great.

This is the statement posted on the Chelsea site today:

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Joe Cole will be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of this month.

It brings to an end Joe's seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge , and we would like to thank him for his dedicated years of service and wish him well in his future career."