Ashley Cole could be set for a reunion with his former Chelsea defensive partner John Terry.
Former Blues skipper Terry is said to be keen to recruit his familiar ally Cole if he steps into the manager’s hotseat at Derby County.
Terry, who is currently assistant manager with Aston Villa, has been touted as a permanent replacement for Phillip Cocu with a new takeover consortium set to take control at Derby.
And according to the Mirror, the former centre-half would offer Cole a role in his management team if he took over – further strengthening Chelsea’s recent links with the East Midlands club.
Cole had a brief spell with the Rams as a player under Frank Lampard in 2019, before hanging up his boots for good and becoming a coach at the Blues academy later that year.
Terry believes Cole – who also splits his time as a TV pundit – could make the step up, and MK Dons assistant boss Luke Williams may also be in his sights.
Wayne Rooney is currently in temporary charge at Pride Park, but has called for assurances over his position.
Terry, meanwhile, has received high-profile backing from Lampard.
“I think it’s a great opportunity potentially for him if it is true, and also for Derby,” the Chelsea boss said at a press conferece.
“I’ve got a lot of affection for Derby from my time there and I know what a great club it is and what great fans they have.
“John will be a hungry, ambitious manager whether it’s Derby or another opportunity.
“He’s going to be a fantastic coach.”