COLE FUTURE IN DOUBT

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole's future has been thrown into doubt after it has emerged that the club are yet to open talks with the England defender over the possibility of signing a new deal with the club.

The contract of the former Arsenal star comes to an end at the end of this season. He would be free to negotiate with the interested parties in six months time. However, there has been no sign of an offer from the club. It is thought that Ashley Cole would also prefer to move to the MLS in search of a new challenge.

The 32-year-old defender is regarded as one of the best left backs than the world. He has won all the major titles with Chelsea including the Champions League title last season. He is also the record holder of the FA cup titles for any player in any era after he recently lifted his seventh FA Cup winners medal with Chelsea. Yet, it is thought that Chelsea are looking to bring in more young players in order to reduce the average age of the squad. Further, the emergence of left back Ryan Bertrand as real replacement for Ashley Cole has meant that the club are not looking to pay the excessive £ 150,000 per week demands of the former Arsenal star.

Instead, they are looking to allow the defender leave on a free transfer at the end of the season and bring in a number of youngsters next season. Ashley Cole's situation is exactly similar to the one Arsenal find themselves with Robin van Persie. However, Cole has not publicly stated that he wants a move away from the West London club, who will be looking to win the Club World Cup and the Super Cup for the first time in their history.