Chelsea Transfers: 10 Players Who Could Be Sold By Jose Mourinho This Summer

9. Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole started the season by promising to show his best form, having felt disappointed at his performances during Jose Mourinho's first spell at the club. Unfortunately, while still a capable defender, age has taken its toll on the dynamism and attacking verve which once established Cole as arguably the pre-eminent player in his position in world football. After a number of disappointing early season performances, Cole was quietly shifted to the bench in favour of converted right-back Cesar Azpilicueta. With the Spaniard arguably Chelsea's most consistent performer this season, Cole doesn't look likely to get his place back anytime soon and has even been displaced in Roy Hodgson's thinking by Leighton Baines and, quite possibly, Luke Shaw and Kieran Gibbs. On the plus side, he's returned from injury with a fabulous beard. Cole's contract is up in the summer and while Mourinho has suggested that he still trusts the Englishman and is willing to offer him an extension, it seems unlikely Cole will take it while the possibilities of regular first team action still exists on the continent, where the game's slower pace could suit his ageing legs, or in the MLS, where the promise of exorbitant wages are waiting for any stars willing to delay their retirement by a few years. Should David Beckham come calling with a gargantuan offer to join his nascent Miami team, it would seem an ideal choice for both player and club. Cole gets to see out his remaining years in a comfortable, sunny league, while Chelsea get to remove £120k-per-week from their books while opening up a space for a hungry youngster like Luke Shaw. Cole's part in Chelsea's enormous success since his arrival in 2006 will be remembered with great affection by Chelsea fans, but now seems the logical time to part ways.