38-Year-Old Ashley Cole In Talks To Reunite With Frank Lampard At Derby

In a somewhat surprising move, Ashley Cole has opened talks with Championship side Derby County over a potential transfer back to England, five years after leaving Chelsea.

The 38-year-old, who was released by LA Galaxy at the end of the 2018 season, would be available on a free transfer.

If discussions go to plan then he will be reunited with former club and international teammate, Frank Lampard, who currently manages the club.

Cole would offer a huge amount of experience to their current squad. He made over 100 appearances for England between 2001 and 2014, while playing more than 650 games at senior level.

He lifted Premier League and Champions League titles during a successful spell at Chelsea, and was part of the famous 'invincibles' Arsenal side that went 49 games unbeaten in 2003/04.

Frank Lampard spoke about potentially getting Cole on board earlier this season:

"I don't know. I know Ashley well. I haven't spoken to him on it, so it's a conversation I could easily have. We also have Max Lowe on loan at Aberdeen as a young left back who had a really good pre-season for us.

"So, again, one to consider over the next few weeks."

Ashley Cole

The fact that Cristiano Ronaldo named Ashley Cole as the toughest defender he's ever come up against is testament to his quality.

In an interview with El Chiringuito TV last year, the five time Ballon d'Or winner revealed that former Chelsea left-back Cole was a tricky customer.

This isn't the first time Ronaldo has expressed his admiration for Ashley Cole's defending ability. Speaking to Coach Magazine back in 2016, he said:

"Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe. He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle.

"You knew it would never be an easy game."

Image: PA

Do you think Ashley Cole to Derby is a good deal?

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Topics: Frank Lampard, Football News, Chelsea, Derby, Football, Transfers, MLS, Premier League, Ashley Cole, LA Galaxy, championship

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_