Football: Ashley Cole arrives for medical with Roma, may sign 2-year contract

Chelsea's Ashley Cole acknowledges the Chelsea fans during their English Premier League soccer match at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on May 11, 2014. The former England defender has arrived in Italy for a medical with Roma and is expe
Chelsea's Ashley Cole acknowledges the Chelsea fans during their English Premier League soccer match at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on May 11, 2014. The former England defender has arrived in Italy for a medical with Roma and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Serie A football club. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

ROME (REUTERS) - Former England defender Ashley Cole has arrived in Italy for a medical with Roma and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Serie A football club.

"Welcome to Rome, Ashley", said the Italian club on its official Twitter feed, publishing a photo of the former Chelsea player on his arrival at Fiumicino airport on Monday morning.

According to the Italian media, the left-back is set to sign a two-year deal worth 2.3 million euros (S$3.9 million) a year, with an option for a third season, as Roma look to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

Chelsea said goodbye to the 33-year-old last week after his trophy-laden eight years at Stamford Bridge, where he won the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League, as well four FA Cup titles.

Roma are also close to signing Fenerbahce's Salih Ucan, with the 20-year-old midfielder set to sign a two-year loan deal with an option to buy for a reported fee of 11 million euros.

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