Man City are reported to be putting together a contract offer for Chelsea's Joe Cole who looks set to be a free agent in the summer.
The former West Ham star is thought to be unhappy at the Blues' alleged offer of only a 12-month extension at £36,000 a week - a 40 per cent reduction on his current terms and nowhere near the likes of Chelsea's top earners - Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and John Terry who all trouser in excess of £100,000-a-week.
Cole's agent is understood to be testing the potential market for his client of he is available on a free transfer and City are ready to beat neighbours Man Utd with a package worth £80,000-a-week.
Tottenham are also interested but Cole is apparently keen to play Champions League football and relocate to the north west with wife Carly Zucker - who is expecting the couple's first child in the next few weeks.