By Fab4.
Manchester United have ruled themselves out of the race to sign Joe Cole, leaving Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to battle it out for his signature, according to Sky Sports News. Press reports this week suggested that United were close to agreeing a deal to take Cole to Old Trafford when his contract expires next week, but now it seems they have ruled themselves out of offering a contract to the England ace.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with Cole in recent weeks, and many have suggested that Cole’s wife Carly wants to remain in London to bring up their new baby near their families, which would leave the Gunners and Tottenham as the favourites. Arsene Wenger has also added wieght to the story as he has publically stated his admiration for Cole.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp used to manage Cole in his West Ham days, so there is obviously a chance the two will reunite, but wages could be a problem. Redknapp also claimed yesterday that he felt a deal for Cole was already agreed with another club.
So surely the sensible money is on Cole signing for Arsenal? Especially given the stories that circulated last week that Arsenal have already agreed the deal and that as long as Cole passes a medical when he returns from South Africa, he will be Gunner next season.
Of course Manchestery City are also interested and can obviously afford to offer his what he wants, but with no Champions League football next season and the fact Cole would have to move his family to Manchester could rule out any deal there.
