Cole bid will be legal - Mourinho

Mourinho is doing things by the book this time

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has vowed to ensure transparency in any transfer dealing for Arsenal's Ashley Cole.

Last year Mourinho, Chelsea and Cole were all fined after holding secret talks in a 'tapping-up' saga.

And with Chelsea now seemingly on the verge of signing Cole, Mourinho wants the transfer to be totally above board.

He said: "We made an approach and if they accept we can negotiate with the player. If they don't accept, we won't approach the player - and it is over."

He added: "The approach was made in a more than fair way.

"Arsenal know we are interested. We know that the player belongs to Arsenal. We know they have the power to decide.

"Everything is very clear. I think if people made mistakes in the past year, they are not making them this season."

Chelsea are believed to have offered £16m for the 26-year-old Cole, but Arsenal are thought to be holding out for more than £20m.