According to reports on the Jewish Chronicle website on Monday, the Liverpool star and Israel captain has agreed a four-year contract with Chelsea after the two clubs agreed a fee of around £7 million.
When news first broke of Cole's departure and the anticipated move to replace him with Benayoun, it caused incredulity for fans of both clubs. The Stamford Bridge faithful couldn't believe that Cole would go, but only days ago Chelsea announced his contract would not be renewed, while Liverpool supporters were in shock that Benayoun would wish to defect to the London club.
Then, when Benayoun later confirmed that he was negotiating a move to Chelsea, the Liverpool fans were even more shocked that one of their players was openly talking about leaving. There are fears Benayoun's exit could have a domino effect with Anfield's star names attracting attention,and Fernando Torres still on Chelsea's wanted list.
Benayoun flies back to England later this week from holiday in Israel to undergo a medical and pick up his £80,000-a-week wages, the salary that Cole was enjoying at the Bridge until he became a free agent and demanded a £30,000 plus pay rise, which Roman Abramovich refused to sanction.
Benayoun will himself enjoy a healthy pay rise due to his move from Liverpool to Chelsea. Cole, though, is left still considering his future while on England duty, putting the decision onto the backburner to concentrate on the World Cup finals in South Africa.
It has been suggested that he has 'signed' for Arsenal, but the Gunners' pre-contract is conditional on Cole returning from the tournament fully fit.
However, Arsenal's north London rivals Spurs have also declared their interest in trying to sign Cole, in Soccernet exclusive interview with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. West Ham too have made preliminary enquiries, but David Sullivan confided to Soccernet that Cole has already said no.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/7976
When news first broke of Cole's departure and the anticipated move to replace him with Benayoun, it caused incredulity for fans of both clubs. The Stamford Bridge faithful couldn't believe that Cole would go, but only days ago Chelsea announced his contract would not be renewed, while Liverpool supporters were in shock that Benayoun would wish to defect to the London club.
Then, when Benayoun later confirmed that he was negotiating a move to Chelsea, the Liverpool fans were even more shocked that one of their players was openly talking about leaving. There are fears Benayoun's exit could have a domino effect with Anfield's star names attracting attention,and Fernando Torres still on Chelsea's wanted list.
Benayoun flies back to England later this week from holiday in Israel to undergo a medical and pick up his £80,000-a-week wages, the salary that Cole was enjoying at the Bridge until he became a free agent and demanded a £30,000 plus pay rise, which Roman Abramovich refused to sanction.
Benayoun will himself enjoy a healthy pay rise due to his move from Liverpool to Chelsea. Cole, though, is left still considering his future while on England duty, putting the decision onto the backburner to concentrate on the World Cup finals in South Africa.
It has been suggested that he has 'signed' for Arsenal, but the Gunners' pre-contract is conditional on Cole returning from the tournament fully fit.
However, Arsenal's north London rivals Spurs have also declared their interest in trying to sign Cole, in Soccernet exclusive interview with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. West Ham too have made preliminary enquiries, but David Sullivan confided to Soccernet that Cole has already said no.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player/_/id/7976
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