Chelsea chiefs fear losing Cole to Real Madrid

Chelsea management fear losing star fullback Ashley Cole this summer.

Cole faces the bleak prospect of becoming public enemy No 1 next season following his bitter split from national sweetheart Cheryl Cole.

He is now certain to suffer a terrace backlash - with his life on and off the pitch continuously under a microscope.

That has alerted Europe's biggest clubs - and especially new Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who has never hidden his love for his former Chelsea player.

A Madrid source confirmed to The Sun: "The feeling is Ashley will have a terrible time if he stays in England next season."

"Clubs like Real are hoping Chelsea will sympathise with Cole's plight and let him escape all the abuse and find a new life - hopefully with us."

There is no doubt the Double winners want to keep their prized defender - but even Stamford Bridge insiders realise they face a tough battle.

One said: "Everyone at Chelsea can see Ashley loves the club, his team-mates and the fans. There's no doubt about that."

"But who could blame him for not wanting to live in England any more, especially after his divorce from Cheryl?"

"We can all imagine what kind of abuse he'll face from away fans next season. Who'd want to put up with that?"