England international, Ashley Cole’s future is up in the air with his contract expiring at the end of the season. It looks unlikely that the Blues will offer the 33-year-old an extension as he has lost his place in Mourinho’s starting eleven to Cesar Azpilicueta.

According to the Mirror, Real Madrid are hoping to lure the defender to Spain by offering him a lucrative two-year deal. Cole, who will be a free agent in the summer, will be offered £4 million per year to leave Stamford Bridge after eight successful seasons.

A Bernabeu source claimed, “Ashley is a world class player and Madrid have wanted to sign him for some time. It is now the perfect opportunity as he is free.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti worked with Cole during his reign as Chelsea boss between 2009 and 2011, winning the domestic double of the Premier League and FA Cup in 2010 so Cole may well be tempted by all that Madrid has to offer and the chance to renew a successful association with a top manager who respected him and was his first choice.