The current season has really been harsh on Ashley Cole, who has gone from being a regular first-team player to a seasoned bench warmer since the return of Jose Mourinho. The 33-year old is in the final year of the contract which runs out in the summer, and it is widely expected that the Blues will let him leave as they go about chasing younger options in the form of Southampton’s Luke Shaw.

There were reports doing the rounds previously which were linking the English international with a move to Arsenal – the club he left in acrimonious circumstances back in 2006. Adding to the list of prospective destinations is Liverpool, whose manager Brendan Rodgers is contemplating pitching for Cole once he becomes a free agent in the summer, as reported by the Mirror.

Rodgers, who has worked with Cole previously during his time as a coach at Chelsea, has a good understanding of his strengths and weaknesses. He feels that Cole could add an experienced option at the back and could deepen his defense for next season. Despite an offer from MLS outfit New York Red Bulls being on the table, Cole is holding out for a move within England. Will Liverpool perhaps snap him up in the summer?