CHELSEA have confirmed the departures of Joe Cole and Michael Ballack with both players’ contracts due to expire at the end of the month.

Cole’s future has been the subject of increasing speculation with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United all chasing his signature.

The former West Ham man is currently on World Cup duty with England and may wait until after the tournament to sort out his future at club level.

Ballack has been linked with a move back to the Bundesliga with Schalke.