• Redknapp reveals initial contact made with Chelsea
• Cole will not discuss move until after World Cup

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that a deal to sign Chelsea’s Joe Cole is “not impossible”, but that the midfielder’s agent has said no moves will be discussed until after the World Cup.

Redknapp, responding to questions about reports linking him with the England midfielder, told Talksport: “It’s not impossible. I think that Daniel [Levy], the chairman, has spoken to Joe’s agent and he said that Joe didn’t want to discuss any moves until after the World Cup. Then he’s going to look at his options.

“But he’s told us that he hasn’t decided anything yet and he hasn’t done anything definite. So there’s a chance.

“I suppose it all depends on the financial side of it and everything else, but according to his agent he’s not made up his mind yet.”

Michael Ballack’s agent Michael Becker, meanwhile, said his client was “completely surprised” to be told he will follow Cole out of Chelsea this summer.

Becker told German broadcaster RTL Ballack would have been willing to take a pay cut to stay with Chelsea and that he would even have accepted a one-year deal with an option for a second year based on appearances. “He has not spoken to Chelsea for three months,” said Becker.

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