Chelsea defender Ashley Cole exit Stamford Bridge in the summer with both Real Madrid and Barcelona reported to be interested.

The Chelsea and England left-back has come under increased scrutiny in recent times, with details of his private life splashed all over the English tabloids.

Cole has been rumoured to have had a number of extra-marital affairs, the latest of which compelled his wife to call time on their marriage. With Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich issuing a stern warning to the players to mind their behaviour off the pitch - it appears quite likely that Cole will not find a place in the Russian's scheme of things.

Spanish publications Sport and Marca carried reports saying that Real Madrid or Barcelona could provide Cole with the sanctuary he is seeking away from the public eye.

Real Madrid seem a more likely possibility for him, given that the Spanish giants have struggled to find a decent replacement ever since Roberto Carlos exited the Bernabeu.