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Report: LA Galaxy set to sign Ashley Cole

By Marco D'Onofrio

Jul 29, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Roma defender Ashley Cole (3) shoves Real Madrid forward Raul De Tomas during the second half at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Roma defender Ashley Cole (3) shoves Real Madrid forward Raul De Tomas during the second half at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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After struggling to find playing time at Roma, it looks as though Ashley Cole is set to make a move to Major League Soccer with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Ashley Cole spent eight seasons with Chelsea, but opted to join Italian club AS Roma at the start of last year in search of more playing time. However, much like in his latter days with the Blues, Cole found it difficult to find time on the pitch. He made just 11 Serie A appearances in his first campaign with the club, and has been completely frozen out of the squad this season, having not made a single appearance.

With Rome head coach Rudi Garcia clearly no longer interested in the full-back’s services, it looks as though Cole is ready to start the next chapter of his career. According to Sky Sport Italia, the 35-year-old has  decided where he would like to play next. The Italian news outlet claims that a deal has been struck with Major League Soccer and the Los Angeles Galaxy that would soon see Cole plying his trade in North America.

The Galaxy traded American international defender Omar Gonzalez on Tuesday to Mexican club Pachuca, which may have been a way to make room for Cole. Los Angeles knew that it would be difficult to keep Gonzalez considering they already have three Designated Players, and may have made the trade knowing that Cole would be available.

The Englishman is currently in the final season of his contract with Roma and could be released early in order for him to join the Galaxy in January. It would allow Los Angeles to ink the former England international to a contract without having to pay any sort of transfer fee.

While nothing has been made official as of yet, expect a move to be announced in the coming days with the winter transfer window officially opening at the start of the new year.

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