Former Chelsea star hopeful of LA Galaxy extension

Former Chelsea star Ashley Cole is hopeful of signing a contract extension with Los Angeles Galaxy despite their lacklustre season in Major League Soccer.

The ex-England international has a contract with the Galaxy until December, and he could play his final game for the club this weekend if there is no breakthrough in negotiations.

Cole has racked 50 appearances during his two-year spell with the Galaxy, but the club are looking into significant changes after they reached a new low in the current campaign.

The California-based club are presently rooted to the bottom of the Western Conference, and they have missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

Speaking to The Independent, Cole admitted that he wants to prolong his stay with the high-profile club, although he is approaching the final years of his professional career.

He said: "I want to be here. We're speaking. It's in their court with me. There's going to be a big change with the club and I think maybe it will happen next season. If I'm in those plans, we'll find out. Who knows? I'm 37 so maybe they want to look a little younger."

Cole, who won 13 major honours with both Arsenal and Chelsea, had previously opened the prospect the possibility of linking up with Championship club Birmingham City, then managed by Harry Redknapp.