With Frank Lampard set to leave Chelsea, Ashley Cole is also preparing himself to end his career at Stamford Bridge, with owner Roman Abramovich refusing to offer players over 30 more than a one-year contract. The left-back has not ruled out the possibility of joining title rivals Manchester United.
Lampard has been reportedly asked to find a new club by the Chelsea hierarchy, which has left the 34-year-old midfielder, who has given such glorious service to the club shattered.
It is becoming quite clear that the veteran midfielder will not be given a new contract, with the England international as much as admitting his time at Stamford Bridge might be coming to an end.
Cole, who like Lampard also sees his contract up at the end of the season, is also likely to find a new club in the summer.
Cole still prefers to stay with the Blues, but if Chelsea fail to offer a longer contract, the former Arsenal player might be forced to consider his options, with Paris Saint Germain expected to be his most likely destination
One of the defender's other suitors is Manchester United, and a source told ESPN that the veteran left-back would be open to a move to Old Trafford in the summer, if the situation at Chelsea does not improve.
"Ashley is cool, relaxed about his future and his contract, he wants to stay at Chelsea, but there are no further plans for more talks," the source said.
"Everyone at the club can see the sense of offering Ashley a longer contract as he is only just over 30, but until the owner relents there is little point in having more talks.
"As for Manchester United. Why not? Ashley hasn't made up his mind about anything, but there are offers from France, Spain and Italy, so he has a wide choice.
"You would need to ask him if he fancies going abroad or would stay in England. He won't be going to Russia though."
