Day left for Cole deal to be solved

Ashley Cole may be trying to focus on England duty but the Arsenal left-back could be forgiven if his mind was elsewhere on the final day of the transfer window.

Cole remained very much a Gunner when he joined his international team-mates in Manchester for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Andorra and Macedonia, having played for the reserves on Monday.

Although Cole wants to join Chelsea, the Gunners know they do not have to sell - unless the price is right. That appears to be the crux of the disagreement, the Barclays Premiership champions insisting they will not be held to ransom over Arsenal's valuation.

Despite the apparent deadlock, with sources in both camps admitting the prospect of brokering a deal looked unlikely, talks are expected to be resurrected in one final attempt to push the transfer through before midnight - particularly if Blues defender William Gallas becomes an integral part of the package.

England commitments do not prevent players from sorting out their club futures, with striker Andrew Johnson completing his £8.6million move from Crystal Palace to Everton while on international duty before the World Cup.

And there is no doubt Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho still wants Cole, despite the recent signing of versatile defender Khalid Boulahrouz and the improved form of Wayne Bridge.

However, whether that is at any cost remains to be seen over the next day.