Real Madrid target Chelsea star Cole

Two former Chelsea managers are reportedly set to go head-to-head in pursuit of Ashley Cole, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain both keen to acquire the services of the England defender.

Cole is out of contract with Chelsea at the end of the season and could be reunited with Jose Mourinho or Carlo Ancelotti as his future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid plan to hijack Paris Saint-Germain's move for Cole, with former mentor Mourinho wanting to bring the 31-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid, it is claimed, are planning to make a bid of £7 million for Cole during the January transfer window, with the left-back reported to be considering ending his six-year stay with the club.

Paris Saint-Germain, however, are unlikely to give Real Madrid a free-run at Cole and, given the vast resources at the disposal of Ancelotti, would happily go toe-to-toe with the Spanish giants.

Ancelotti managed Cole during two seasons as Chelsea boss and is seemingly keen to recruit the England international as he continues to build a side capable to making an impact domestically and on the continent.

Chelsea, for their part, want to keep Cole beyond the terms of his current deal, but have only offered the ex-Arsenal man an unsatisfactory one-year contract extension.