London, Aug 06: Joe Cole is set to become the latest recruit to Roman Abramovich's revolution at Chelsea after West Ham agreed a 6.6-million pound bid for the England midfielder.
Chelsea were also reported yesterday to have agreed a 15-million-pound fee for Manchester United's Argentina midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.
If both deals go through it will take Chelsea's spending on new players to nearly 60 million pounds since Russian billionaire Abramovich bought the club last month.

Cole's transfer remains subject to a medical and an agreement on personal terms. But statements from West Ham and the player suggested it is virtually a done deal.
"It was a difficult decision but I feel now is the time to make a break from West Ham," he said in a statement.



Cole had made it clear he wanted to leave West Ham following the club's relegation from the premiership last season and Chelsea are one of a handful of teams who can offer him the champions league football he craves.



West Ham said they had no option but to sell now or see Cole leave for nothing when his contract expires at the end of the upcoming season.



Cole follows England midfield colleague Trevor Sinclair, striker Frederic Kanoute and young defender Glen Johnson, who has also moved to Chelsea, out of Upton Park.



In an effort to placate their fans, the East London club said they were now in a position to retain the services of their other main assets - England goalkeeper David James and young striker Jermain Defoe.


Bureau Report