Chelsea target Spurs left-back as long-term Ashley Cole replacement

Chelsea are rumoured to be considering a bid to buy Benoit Assou-Ekotto, to replace the expected loss of Ashley Cole at the end of the season.

The Cameroon international has struggled with a persistent knee injury this season, making only 3 appearances so far this term.

The 28 year-old was outstanding last season for Tottenham Hotspur, missing only 4 Premier League games, and Chelsea are rumoured to be keen on bringing the left-back to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea currently have Ashley Cole and Ryan Bertrand at left-back, with Ashley Cole expected to leave on a free in the summer. Chelsea are apparently only willing to offer the 32 year-old a one year extension, with the player unwilling to sign a contract under two years long.

Ashley Cole has been linked with various top clubs over Europe, with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City among possible suitors. Cole is allowed to talk to foreign clubs from January, with Manchester City having to wait until the end of the season to follow up their interest.

Chelsea have also been linked with moves for Southamptons Luke Shaw, 17, and Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao to replace the England international, with Shaw coming to the club as understudy to Bertrand, or Coentrao coming in to fight Ryan for his place.

I personally hope Ryan gets his chance to fight for his position in the team, which I personally think he would lose to Assou-Ekotto. The Spurs left-back has been impressive since his move to Spurs from Lens in 2006, but Bertrand could hopefully up his game from now until the end of the season. He will need to prove his consistency to stop Chelsea from signing an experienced left-back. Do you think he has what it takes?