Barcelona are launching a £20 million bid for Chelsea fullback
Ashley Cole.
The Daily Express says Barca, the Champions League
finalists, have already sounded out the Blues about England
full-back Cole and are ready to come back with a firm bid when the
season ends.
A host of clubs are hovering around Cole, whose excellent season
for Chelsea has restored his reputation as a top-class defender.
Mega-rich Manchester City have also made their intentions clear –
even though they signed another left-back in Wayne Bridge from
Chelsea earlier this year – and have offered Cole, 28, a five-year
deal worth about £130,000 a week.
Inter Milan are also watching developments, but it is Barca who
seem set to make the first move as they look to replace error-prone
Frenchman Eric Abidal and the ageing Brazilian Silvinho. Clubs are
hoping to capitalise on any confusion at Chelsea with interim
manager.
