Manchester City to Fight Real Madrid for Chelsea Hero Ashley Cole

Manchester City have joined Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United in the race for Ashley Cole, according to reports.

The England international left-back, whose contract runs out on 30 June, has lost his place at Stamford Bridge this season as Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has opted to play Cesar Azpilicueta instead – even though the Spaniard usually plays on the opposite flank.

According to the Mirror, City are interested in signing Cole as the player will run down his contract and then move as a free agent over the summer.

Chelsea have offered the 33-year-old a new deal on reduced terms but Cole is set to leave the west Londoners after seven years in the Blues' ranks.

However the exit of City's left-back Aleksandar Kolarov, whose contract expires next summer, could be a precursor to Cole's signing – and Juventus are reportedly interested in signing the Serbian.

Apart from Cole, the Blues have two other senior players out of contract at the end of the season: John Terry, who has only been offered a new one-year deal, and Frank Lampard, who has been linked with a move to LA Galaxy – although assistant boss Steve Holland recently said they are all likely to remain at the club beyond the end of the current campaign.

But Cole's tears after Chelsea's draw with Norwich suggested it may be his last appearance at Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid are also reportedly considering signing the defender and are willing to give him a two-year deal worth £3.5m per-season – Liverpool and United are also monitoring the veteran.

Cole has played 25 official matches this season, 16 in the Premier League, and his lack of regular action may have jeopardised his place at this summer's World Cup.