Manc giants to battle for Cole

The two Manchester giants, United and City, are set for a royal battle for Joe Cole’s signature. The 28-year-old midfielder is set to leave Chelsea for free at the end of the season after talks over a new deal at Stamford Bridge broke down this week. The England star was only offered a one-year contract by the Blues on less than his current £80,000-a-week salary. City and United are both ready to offer Cole over £100,000-a-week. Sir Alex Ferguson has admired Cole since he was a kid and even invited him and his family to watch the 1995 FA Cup final.