Chelsea face a battle to keep hold of Ashley Cole who looks set to join Real Madrid after his pop star wife Cheryl filed for divorce in London, according to reports.
The Sun says that sources in Madrid claims Cole is desperate to leave Stamford Bridge as he fears he will be the subject of a backlash on the terraces following his split with the nation's sweetheart.
Girls Aloud singer Cheryl has cited 'unreasonable behaviour' for the basis of the divorce after a succession of newspapers relevation regarding Cole's infidelity.
The Sun reports that Real are hoping Chelsea will 'sympathise' with Cole's plight and let him escape England.
Sportsmail exclusively revealed last week that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho will make a £25million bid for the left-back as soon as he is appointed as the new Mardid boss following his exit from Inter Milan.