Ashley Cole goes into Chelsea's clash with Manchester United with the chance to audition for manager Sir Alex Ferguson. United and Paris St Germain heading the race to sign the England left-back next summer when his contract at Stamford Bridge runs out.

Cole has rejected Chelsea's offer of a one-year deal and PSG are in pole position to sign him as they can start talks in January whereas United would have to wait until May to have face-to-face talks under Premier League rules.

Cole's former manager at Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti, is keen for him to join PSG next season but United, who take on Chelsea today in the top-of-the-table clash, are also looking at Cole as an option.