Ashley Cole in talks with LA Galaxy

Sources confirmed that Galaxy are in talks with the Serie A side to discuss a free transfer for Cole, who has yet to play a single match for the Italian club this season - and hasn't seen the field since March.

Joining the MLS club would reunite Cole with former England teammate Steven Gerrard, who endured a lacklustre first season in LA. Galaxy's pursuit of Cole seems a surprising one given the fact he turns 35 next week and will have gone a full year without playing if and when he signs.

Current starter Robbie Rogers is lauded as one of the best full-backs in MLS, but Galaxy could move him to right-back to make room for Cole on the left.

The Los Angeles side are looking for defensive reinforcements after selling USMNT centre-back Omar Gonzalez to Pachuca. Adding Cole would allow LA coach Bruce Arena to shuffle his defence around, including moving veteran A.J. De La Garza to central defence.

The Galaxy are also expected to hit the European transfer market for a replacement for Gonzalez, as well as a defensive midfielder.

It has been reported that Galaxy's offer for Cole is not a Designated Player deal, which goes to the team's highest-paid players, but could use part of the Targeted Allocation Money recently given to MLS teams to sign new players.