Chelsea confirmed Cole's departure when they announced German midfielder Michael Ballack and right-back Juliano Belletti would also be leaving.

BBC: Manchester United rule out move to sign Joe Cole

German midfielder Michael Ballack hit the outside of the post with a fine free-kick, while Hull's Kevin Kilbane hit the woodwork with a header.

BBC: Chelsea 0-0 Hull

Pulis singled out German midfielder Michael Ballack for specific criticism.

BBC: Stoke boss slams Chelsea 'diving'

He has already made Portuguese midfielder Deco his first signing and also have the likes of Germany captain Michael Ballack and Michael Essien vying for a place alongside Lampard.

CNN: Chelsea reject Inter's Lampard approach