Transfer Centre

Ashley Cole 'turns down' new Chelsea contract

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 26 September 2012

Ashley Cole reportedly turns down a one-year contract extension at Chelsea, which prompts speculation that the full-back will begin talking to other clubs in January.

Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole could reportedly be in the hunt for a new club in January after refusing to agree a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

The 31-year-old has been expected to pen fresh terms with the Champions League winners and manager Roberto Di Matteo recently claimed that he is "optimistic" that the England international will stay at the club.

Despite the confidence of his manager, reports have claimed that Cole has been offered a one-year contract but that the defender was hoping for a long-term deal.

"The club have a policy that anyone who is over 30 years of age is offered a short-term new contract," ESPN quotes a source as saying. "Ashley is 31, but he is fit and still at the peak of his form, but so far all that has been offered is a one-year deal.

"As it stands that leaves Ashley free to talk to clubs and to actually sign for a new club from January onwards, and that clearly is an option unless something changes from Chelsea's end."

Cole, who joined the Blues in 2006, has been linked to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.