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Chelsea are set to bid £20million-plus for Spanish star Alberto Moreno – and make him Ashley Cole’s successor, writes Alan Nixon in the Sunday People.

Roman Abramovich will open his chequebook again to see off rivals for the Seville youngster – and the timing will be worrying England star Cole.

Moreno, 21, who is also being chased by Real Madrid and Manchester United, is still eligible to play in this season’s Champions League.

The Blues aim to move for him in January, which would cast a cloud over Cole’s future for both club and country.

Cole – 33 next month – will eventually be phased out, but to find his replacement arriving in the new year would create a major issue.

(Image: Clive Rose)

England boss Roy Hodgson will be watching on anxiously as Cole is a key part of his plans for Brazil.

The veteran defender was left out in favour of Cesar Azpilicueta for a second straight match in the 2-2 home draw with West Brom.

Asked why, Mourinho said: “Because Azpilicueta is playing very well. Let’s see what happens next week. He made zero mistakes.”

Asked if Cole’s form was a concern, the Chelsea boss said: “No, but I didn’t like his performance against Newcastle.”

Moreno has a £25m buy-out clause in his Seville contract.

Real are keen on him for a position that is a problem to them.

United boss David Moyes would still prefer to land Leighton Baines from old club Everton, but the size of the fee and the 28-year-old's age are making it difficult.