Benitez confirms new contract for Cole

(AP Photo/Sang Tan)

LONDON (AP) Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed Ashley Cole has reached an agreement with the club over a new contract, but sidestepped any talk about the future of Frank Lampard.

The 32-year-old Cole, one of the world's top left backs, is expected to sign his deal Monday and Benitez says "I am really pleased - the paperwork has to be done but the agreement is there."

Lampard appears to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, however, with the club yet to offer him a new contract.

Speaking after Sunday's 2-1 win over Arsenal, in which Lampard scored a penalty, Benitez said the 34-year-old midfielder is "doing a great job ... he is playing well" but stressed "it is not my decision" to extend his stay at the club.

Updated January 20, 2013