After spending his entire career playing in England’s capital, Ashley Cole looks set to join a club from Italy’s. It would certainly be interesting to see how the left-back fares should he make the move abroad.
According to the Metro, Roma are close to completing a deal to bring Cole to the Stadio Olimpico. Having recently left Chelsea, the only other clubs the player has represented since turning professional are Arsenal and Crystal Palace. Now 33 years of age, he has seen it all and done it all domestically, winning an incredible three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and one League Cup. Cole also experienced Champions League and Europa League glory towards the end of his time at Stamford Bridge, and can currently boast 105 career appearances in Europe’s premier club competition.
With Roma recently finishing as runners up in Serie A, their best finish since 2010, Cole would be able to continue his 14-year run of playing in the Champions League should he make the switch. A player with such experience and who has been considered one of the best left-backs in the world for a long time now would be a massive signing for the Italian side and someone who could really help them push on next season.
Liverpool Linked With Move For Dejan Lovren – Why Brendan Rodgers Is Right To Target The Defender
The dust has hardly settled on Liverpool’s closest title bid in a long time but, Brendan Rodgers will be aware that he must build upon the success he has already achieved at Anfield. Without taking into account the recent World Cup controversy surrounding Luis Suarez and the proposed transfer to Barcelona, there are changes that need to be made on Merseyside.
The Reds’ defence was at times woeful last season, with Liverpool often relying on their exceptional strike Togel Hongkong force to get them out of trouble. At this moment in time it is a struggle to name a consistent performer at centre-back. This area will surely be one of the first Rodgers will address now that the deal for Adam Lallana has been finalised.
The Liverpool Echo have recently reported that the Reds have had a £20 million offer for Lovren turned down by Southampton, whilst the Daily Mail are claiming that Lovren is not expected to attend pre-season training due to his intent to switch clubs. It is without doubt that Liverpool are formally interested in Lovren, and Rodgers must now sign the Croatia centre-back to solidify a shaky back four. Lovren would be the ideal choice, as he has been consistent throughout the season, represents a threat from corners, and is a proven performer in the Premier League.
The Southampton star is likely to cost close to £25million due to his recent arrival and the sheer number of outgoings at St Mary’s already this summer. Lovren is not the cheapest option out there, but with his Premier League experience he would fit straight into the Liverpool defence and what the Anfield club need right now is that level of familiarity.
