Man Utd to make shock move for former Arsenal and Chelsea defender

Manchester United are preparing a shock move for one of the best defenders to have played in the Premier League.

Recent reports have revealed that Roma are looking to offload former England international Ashley Cole in the New Year, having failed to settle at the Capital club since his summer move from Chelsea.

According to The Express, United boss Louis van Gaal is keen on signing up the veteran defender in order to provide sufficient competition to Luke Shaw for the left-back role.

Cole was substituted at half-time during his club's 7-1 home defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week.