In one of the most outlandish transfer stories of the summer window to date, Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Roma left-back Ashley Cole. The Daily Star claim that the Magpies will make a move for the former Chelsea and Arsenal defender as they look to recruit a greater number of English players. Capped 107 times by the Three Lions, Cole moved on a free to Roma last summer but struggled to find a regular starting place at the Italian club. Head coach Rudi Garcia simply does not fancy Cole and he usually opts for either Vasilis Toroosidis or Jose Holebas as his first choice left-back instead. With Cole having just 12 months remaining on his contract, the Star claim new Toon chief Steve McClaren will make a move for the Champions League-winning left-back, who bagged three Premier League titles at Chelsea. The publication suggests Newcastle could try and bring Cole to the North East on a season-long loan deal, although the fact he is 34, was deemed surplus to requirements a year ago by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, and that the Magpies have both Massadio Haidara and Paul Dummett who can play left-back, it looks unlikely the veteran defender will make the move. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.