Manchester United target Chelsea duo in shock summer raid

Manchester United are being linked with an audacious summer move for Chelsea duo Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.

The England internationals are both out of contract at the end of the season at Stamford Bridge, and with neither appearing close to a new deal in west London, could leave for nothing when the current campaign ends.

The Daily Star claims Sir Alex Ferguson has set his sights on the duo, and believes both players could make a major impact for Manchester United despite their advancing years.

Starsport goes on to suggest that the Scot would even consider bringing the pair to Old Trafford in the current transfer window, but that the Blues are unwilling to business with one of their Premier League transfer rivals.

The Red Devils will offer both Lampard and Cole one-year rolling contracts, giving both players the chance to continue their professional football careers in the English top flight, according to the report.

Clubs in both China and America have been linked with summer moves for Lampard, with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also reported to be tracking the player at the start of December as the Frenchman eyed a move to bring the player to the Emirates Stadium.

Cole, meanwhile, has been linked with moves to both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, with plenty of options open to the 32-year-old former Gunners starlet.