Man United favourite to land Cole

Manchester United could swoop for Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole on a free transfer if his contract impasse is not resolved.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to take advantage from the well-publicised contract stalemate between Cole and Chelsea and sign Cole on a free - just as he had signed Michael Owen earlier this season.

It has been reported that Cole had wanted a pay raise and this has been the main stumbling block in him agreeing to sign a new deal with the Blues.

Cole has been struggling to make England's World Cup squad after a cruciate knee-ligament injury. He is now fit again but has failed to re-establish himself at Chelsea under manager Carlo Ancelotti.

And his contract talks have stalled, with Chelsea said to be unwilling to increase the midfielder's wages from £80,000-a-week to in excess of £100,000.

According to reports from England, there are also interest from Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City, but it is believed Ferguson will be favourite to win the battle if Cole and Chelsea can't reach an agreement.