The newspapers were all over Harry Redknapp’s comments today which suggested that a deal had already been done between Manchester United and Joe Cole.

Whilst it was clear Cole was not going to do any business whilst in South Africa, whispers suggested that the salary and contract length the winger wanted did not match what United would be prepared to offer.

Sources at United have been quick to play down our link with Cole today though, despite Sir Alex Ferguson’s known admiration of the player.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will now fight it out to land the former Chelsea man.