Rumour: Ashley Cole linked with a move to Real Madrid

Reports have today linked Chelsea full back Ashley Cole with a shock move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The out of favour left back is out of contract at the end of the season and reports emanating from Spain suggest that Madrid are interested in a move to secure the cut-price left back as cover for Marcelo.

Cole played under current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti during the Italian’s spell in charge of Chelsea and the Real boss is said to be keen on a reunion.

Ancelotti is likely to lose one of his current left backs at the end of the season, with Fabio Coentrao likely to finally leave the club. Signing Cole would provide Ancelotti with a proven replacement for Coentrao without the need to splash out on a fee.

Despite the reunion with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, Cole has lost his place in the side this season and has made just 12 Premier League starts.

He has seen Cesar Azpilicueta replace him in the side and –despite assertions from Mourinho that he wants to keep Cole –the left back’s future beyond the end of the season is unclear.

Cole would undoubtedly be flooded with offers to wind down his career with a lucrative deal in the MLS or middle east, but if reports are to be believed then he may be handed the chance to extend his stay at the top level.

The transfer is reportedly being driven by Cole’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, who also represents current Real star Gareth Bale.