TheSportsCampus

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini could make a surprise move for Chelsea's rebel left-back Ashley Cole according to The Daily Mail. 31 year old Cole is in the final six months of his contract with the European champions Chelsea and with the Blues unable to tie him down to a contract thus far, a move looks imminent.

One cannot be certain that Cole will leave for City in January though as Chelsea maybe reluctant to sell Cole to English opposition and particularly a title rival such as Manchester City. Mancini though is reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation and believes that Cole will be a better opton in his team at left-back ahead of Gael Clichy and Aleksandar Kolarov.

The England international is widely regarded as one of the best full backs in the Premier League and is expected to have lofty wage ambitions this time around. While Cole has been strongly linked to French club Paris St-Germain lately, the move is far from materializing given the cloud of uncertainty hanging over PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti's future at the club.

Hence, Chelsea might consider selling Cole to City this winter to avoid letting him go for free at the end of the season. Cole's exit could be a big blow to the European champions as he has been a rock for them at the back over the years. The former Arsenal man, has made a whopping 276 appearances for the Blues so far in all competitions, since joining from the Gunners in 2006.