Manchester United have been linked with a shock move for Ashley Cole.

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to land a new left fullback to provide competition for Patrice Evra, and had initially hoped to take Leighton Baines.

But with Everton believed to be holding out for as much as £20million for the 27-year-old, attention is thought to have sensationally turned to Cole.

The Chelsea ace is in the final 12 months of his contract, and reports suggest Ferguson could be lining up a surprise bid to lure the 31-year-old.