Man Utd seek Chelsea's Cole for Evra

Manchester United's hunt for a left-back has drawn Sir Alex Ferguson towards Chelsea's Ashley Cole.

The Blues winger is yet to start talks on a new deal despite his contract expiring in 12 months.

Ferguson had hoped to land Leighton Baines before the transfer window closes.

However, Everton have refused to budge on their asking price of £15 million and the Red Devils are unwilling to pay more than £12 million for the 27-year-old.

Ferguson is now looking at other options and has been alerted to Cole's contract situation at Stamford Bridge, reports the Sunday Mirror.

Cole, 31, is set to start the season at Chelsea and assess his options this time next year.

United are unlikely to wait that long and will instead resume their chase for Baines or look elsewhere for competition to Patrice Evra, the report added.

Chelsea have still not offered Cole an extension despite his consistently excellent performances.

No talks have been scheduled and Blues officials will have to decide whether to sell Cole this summer or see him walk away for nothing at the end of the season.

The player is said to be relaxed about the situation and prepared to take a chance on becoming a free agent, the Metro added.