Ashley Cole wants Luke Shaw at Chelsea

Chelsea full back Ashley Cole has backed up transfer speculation linking Southampton left back Luke Shaw with a move to Stamford Bridge by admitting that he “hopes to see him there”.

Taking part in a question and answer session with his followers, Cole made the comment when responding to a pointed question about his club preferring Shaw to him.

Despite playing in the same left back role Cole appeared supportive of a move for Shaw, who at 18 is 15 years Cole’s junior. England full back Cole has found himself out of the Chelsea side of late, with Cesar Azpilicueta lining up at left back. Cole is out of contract at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a move away from the club, or even retirement.

With Cole in the twilight of his Blues career, Shaw could provide a long term successor for both club and country. He made 25 Premier League appearances last season and has made a further 15 this season. He has long been linked with a move to Chelsea, who he revealed his support for in his own Twitter question and answer session in March.

However his manager would be loath to lose him, and Mauricio Pochettino was this week unequivocal in his denial of any move

“It is a very clear situation. The player wants to stay, the club is not willing to sell.”