Liverpool Face Stiff Competition for Ashley Cole Signature

He may have announced his retirement from international football after missing out on a spot in Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions squad, but Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole is still a hot property on the domestic front.

With his contract on the verge of expiring at Chelsea and no extension on the horizon, the 33-year old defender has apparently had a rash of offers — and as expected, Liverpool is among the contenders battling for the experienced campaigners signature. With a relatively young squad at his disposal, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is looking to bolster both the number and quality of the players at his disposal as he prepares for his first season of Champions League football and Cole, linked with a move to Merseyside since February, is definitely an option the Northern Irishman is considering.

With Spanish fullback Jose Enrique out injured for much of the campaign, Liverpool were left to rely on the untested talents of local lad Jon Flanagan and the shaky Aly Cissokho for much of the campaign. Although the youngster stepped up with a number of impressive performances, acquiring some depth in the fullback position is thought to be a massive need in the coming transfer window.

Cole, who confirmed via Twitter that he’s mulling over offers with his agent and that he likely won’t be plying his trade at Stamford Bridge next season, has ruled out a move to America and the MLS, signalling his intent to continue playing at a high level. With a wide range of clubs — including Spanish juggernauts Real Madrid — rumoured to be in the mix, the former Arsenal man will have a lot to consider in the coming weeks. In the meantime, The Reds will likely explore other options as he tries to figure out where his next pay cheque is coming from…