Real eyeing Chelsea’s Ashley Cole: report

Real Madrid are eyeing Chelsea’s left-sided England defender Ashley Cole to boost their back line for next season, a Spanish newspaper said on Tuesday.

“The Englishman from Chelsea is the player for the job. He is one of the best players in the world and wants to come to Spain,” sports daily Marca said, without identifying its sources.

It said the English Premiership club “is ready to listen to offers.”

Cole, 29, is not the only left back targeted by Real although the former Arsenal player is top of their list.

Marca said Real are also keen on Manchester United’s French international Patrice Evra, who could cost “about 20 million euros” and they were also following “very closely” Lazio’s Serbian player Aleksandar Kolarov.

The Spanish club, which spent more than 250 million euros on top stars last summer, is currently top of the Primera Liga on goal difference from Barcelona.

But their exit from the Champions League in the last-16 stage to Lyon last week means they are now looking to prepare for next season.