Report: Ex-Chelsea defender Cole 'close' to joining LA Galaxy
Free-agent defender Ashley Cole is reportedly close to leaving Europe and joining the LA Galaxy of MLS.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a formal announcement of Cole's signing "is close" and a deal could be reached before the European transfer windows open on Saturday.
Cole hasn't played since March when he was with the Italian club Roma, which has not commented on Cole's status or any negotiations with the Galaxy, the Times reported.
Cole, 35, was the English player of the year in 2010 and the left back retired from international football in 2014 as England's most-capped fullback with 107 caps.
He joined Roma in 2014 after eight seasons with Chelsea, having helped the Blues win the 2009-10 Premier League title. He also spent seven seasons with Arsenal, helping the Gunners claim two Premier League championships.
Cole won't come cheap for the Galaxy, who sold defender Omar Gonzalez and midfielder Juninho to Mexican clubs. The Galaxy don't have an open designated player spot and would have to spend most â if not all â of the $800,000 in targeted allocated money the team will receive from the league to sign Cole, according to the Times.
If Cole does jump to the States, he'd join other 35-year-old European stars Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard on the Galaxy roster.
