Chelsea defender Ashley Cole could be set to join Real Madrid, according to the Spanish club’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Cole has been linked with a €36 million move to Real since his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho took over at the Bernabeu Stadium in May.

The England left-back is reported to be unhappy with life in England following his separation from popstar wife Cheryl in the aftermath of tabloid newspaper stories alleging he had affairs with several women.

Mourinho is believed to be keen to re-unite with Cole and Casillas, who captained Spain to World Cup glory, claims he has been told a deal to sign the 29-year-old is in the pipeline.

“From what I am hearing, the signs look good,” Casillas told The Sun.

“I have only briefly spoken to people at the club, but I am confident that he can be a Real Madrid player next year. I think it will be the right move for him both professionally and personally. A clean break from England is hopefully something he is very interested in.

“It will be his last big contract and who better to sign for than his old coach Mourinho at Real?

“He will know better than anybody this club will be successful under Jose.

“Jose has proved he buys players and makes them the very best in the world in their position.

“With Ashley he doesn’t need to do that because he’s already the best left-back in the world. Jose knows all about him and it comes as no surprise to me that Cole is on Madrid’s radar.”

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