The LA Galaxy is in talks with former England international Ashley Cole, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. The five-time MLS Cup champions have offered the left-back a non-Designated Player contract.
The Irish Sun was the first to report the news.
Numerous outlets abroad have reported that Aston Villa are also trying to land Cole. New York City FC -- now managed by Cole's former Arsenal teammate, Patrick Vieira -- had been previously linked with the 34-year-old, but the source indicated that the Galaxy is showing the most interest.
The Galaxy had been struggling with salary cap issues since the end of the season, but Tuesday's sale of defender Omar Gonzalez to Liga MX side Pachuca has freed up considerable funds. According to the MLS Players Union, Gonzalez's guaranteed compensation last season was $1.45 million.
EXCLUSIVE: Ashley Cole set to join former teammate in America as MLS deal moves close https://t.co/20onLTNlFG pic.twitter.com/hufS2GXmrX
- The Sun - Football (@TheSunFootball) December 22, 2015
Cole has been frozen out at current side AS Roma after refusing to cancel his contract at the beginning of the current season. After leaving Premier League side Chelsea in the summer of 2014, Cole made just 13 league and cup appearances with Roma during the 2014-15 campaign.
Prior to that, Cole was regarded as model of consistency at both club and international level. He spent eight seasons with Arsenal, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups. He then moved to Chelsea, where he won one more league title, four more FA Cups, and a League Cup. He also on a UEFA Champions League medal and a Europa League title during his time with the Blues.
Cole made a total of 107 international appearances with England, and played in three World Cups.