A switch to Madrid would do the England man the world of good…

Continued...

All the transfer talk this summer has surrounded Cesc Fabregas, and his much-debated “homecoming: to Barcelona. However, while that story is beginning to make Ronaldo’s transfer saga seem enthralling, the persistent whispers linking Ashley Cole to Real Madrid are far more intriguing.

Quite frankly, if Madrid were to stump up the requisite funds, Cole would surely jump at the chance. Not only that, but it would probably be the best move for all concerned, as Chelsea risk having an increasingly unhappy player on their hands.

Cole was never the most popular of players on these shores, what with his infamously money-grubbing move from Arsenal, and his inability to keep his mouth shut. However, his recent split from Cheryl Cole has seen him plunge from football hate-figure to the nation’s most loathed celebrity. You couldn’t really describe it as a fall from grace (since nobody liked him much in the first place), but even so, few celebrities (particularly sports stars) have fallen so far so quickly.

Here he is, doing what he does best on the pitch…

It’s none too surprising then that Cole wants out, with his misjudged comment that “I hate England” pretty much spelling it out. Enter Real Madrid. A move to the Spanish capital has been mooted by the Madrid-based press, and would offer the defender an escape from the goldfish bowl of the Premier League. The chance to reunite with Jose Mourinho, a manager who thrives on getting the best out of players during times of adversity, would also be a huge incentive.

It also wouldn’t be the worst thing for Chelsea either. By selling Cole this summer, they would be able to command a healthy transfer fee, particularly given that Madrid aren’t averse to paying over the odds to secure their targets. If they could get £20 million plus for a player who will turn 30 later this year, it wouldn’t be a bad bit of business at all.

On top of that, the English national team would also be likely to benefit. Cole has been an increasingly controversial figure in the eyes of the England faithful, with the Chelsea man enduring Wembley boos on more than one occasion. Lifting him out of the public eye would be likely to defuse this often volatile relationship.

No official approach has been made as yet, but if it were to materialise, a move to Madrid would likely be the best option for all concerned. Let him go and wind up the Spanish for a while…we all deserve a break!