Manchester United have left the path clear for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to attempt to sign Joe Cole after it was confirmed they are not interested in the England international.

Cole, released by Chelsea after failing to agree terms over a new contract, has repeatedly been linked with a free signing to United, but well-placed sources at Old Trafford have indicated there has never been any interest in the midfielder.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, has spoken on numerous occasions about his admiration for Cole, but the 28-year-old has had a season disrupted by injury.

The feeling at Old Trafford is that a lot of the speculation surrounding United's reported interest has been generated by people close to Cole in the hope of accelerating interest from other clubs.

Cole's future now looks like a straight choice between Arsenal and Tottenham, the north London rivals having both initiated talks with the player's representatives.