CHELSEA DEFENDER Ashley Cole has rejected rumours that contract talks over a new deal at Stamford Bridge have stalled.

Cole’s future has been the subject of speculation with the 31-year-old entering the final year of his Blues contract.

Reports suggested Chelsea had yet to open talks with Cole over a contract extension, with the player supposedly holding out for a deal worth £200,000 (€252,000) a week.

However, Cole took to Twitter to dismiss talk of his pay demands and explain that talks have only just got under way.

The left-back wrote: “Contract talks have not stalled just started, and 200k are you for real, I’d never ask for that.

“Like I said before don’t listen or always believe what media say they aint got a clue.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea will step up attempts to add to their squad ahead of the collision with Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield.

While interest is retained in the Porto striker Hulk, any deal for the Brazilian has been complicated by the payment that would be due to his third-party owner, leaving Wigan’s young forward Victor Moses a more likely arrival.

While Wigan had hoped to secure about £10 million for his services, a compromise deal nearer £8 million is edging closer.

Roberto di Matteo has been encouraged by the pre-season performances of Sam Hutchinson and Paulo Ferreira but a new right-back will also be targeted, with Marseille’s Spanish defender César Azpilicueta a likely purchase.