Cole

Barcelona are thought to be lining up a shock bid for Chelsea’s Ashley Cole, according to the Metro.

The left-back is out of contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer and has been told by club officials that he will not be offered a renewal, and the La Liga leaders are now monitoring developments.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Barca President Sandro Rossell has asked to be kept informed as to Cole’s future plans, and the defender himself claimed recently that he is open to a move abroad.

Manchester United had been linked with him, though the Red Devils deny such claims. PSG, Real Madrid and Anzhi are also interested, but it is understood it is Barcelona who are Cole’s preferred destination.

Barcelona, for all their quality going forward, are struggling at left-back at the moment. Eric Abidal is still out, Adriano is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract, and new signing Jordi Alba has put in a number of unconvincing performances this season.

A deal for Cole would seem to suit all parties, though Barcelona would probably be unwilling to offer the reported £120,000-a-week he currently picks up at Stamford Bridge.

Cole could leave for nothing in the summer, so a knock-down price for the defender this month could be possible.

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