Reed Saxon/Associated Press

Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp is exploring an ambitious move to bring about Ashley Cole's return to English football.

The 70-year-old is desperately seeking reliable, experienced players to help him mount a promotion push next season.

And he has identified former Chelsea star Cole, 36, as one of the men he would love to have on board for his club's attempt to reach the Premier League.

During discussions about how to move forward next term, it is understood signing Cole was mentioned as an option the Championship side should explore. But getting a deal done will not prove straightforward.

Cole is playing for the L.A. Galaxy in MLS and has appeared 14 times this campaign. He has been enjoying his time in California.

He moved to the U.S. in 2016 and recently told FourFourTwo he would one day like to return to England—as a member of Chelsea's backroom staff.

Redknapp will have his work cut out in talking Cole into a move to the second tier of English football, although Birmingham's board is giving him big financial backing to try to make some major transfers.

Earlier this summer, Redknapp made an attempt to sign Cole's former team-mate John Terry, who was available on a free transfer. However, he ended up joining local rivals Aston Villa instead.