Joe Cole’s days at Chelsea appear to be numbered as the Blues have made their interest in Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun official by making a formal offer for the Israeli.
Chelsea’s first bid of £4 million was rejected by the Reds but if the offer is improved £6 million it could be enough to purchase the 30-year-old, according to The Guardian.
Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to bring Benayoun to Stamford Bridge after contract talks with Cole stalled and the England international is expected to leave on a free transfer this summer.
With Cole struggling to earn regular first-team football under Ancelotti at Chelsea, Champions League qualifiers Tottenham Hotspur are the favorites to get the 28-year-old, who has been with the Blues for seven years since making a £6.6 million move from West Ham United.
Spurs and West Ham have also shown interest in Benayoun, but the 30-year-old believes that he will move to Chelsea in the next few days.
"Ancelotti wants me for next season and now everything depends on Liverpool," Benayoun said.
"Chelsea will have to pay some £6m, but I believe that, in the end, I'll be moving there."
