ASHLEY COLE'S partying with the Arsenal squad hasn't gone down well with Jose Mourinho and it looks like the England left-back could be heading away from Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho had said before the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace that he was spoilt for choice in the let back position and couldn't decide between Cesar Azpilicueta and Cole.

Regarding the battle for a left-back berth Mourinho said: "I don't have a number one, I have two number ones. Or two number twos, if you want.

"I choose whichever one I think is ready for the occasion and it's good to have options."

Before admitting that he doubted Ashley Cole would be very happy with the situation.

He said: "I don't think he is happy. I don't ask, but I don't think he is."

And now, following revelations about Cole attending the Arsenal Christmas party, Mourinho has come out and said Cesar Azpilicueta is his undisputed first choice.

Mourinho said: "I play Ivanovic right back, I play Azpilicueta left back."

Responding to questions about Cole's role against Arsenal the Chelsea manager said he would be watching the game, "from the bench or at home."

Quite a turnaround.

Mourinho made it clear Azpilicueta was his first choice and Cole may be fast-tracked into a move away from Stamford Bridge.

One possible location for Cole is Tottenham who are missing a quality left back with Jan Vertonghen filling in for the time being.

Liverpool must decide if Jon Flanagan is a good enough deputy to the injured Jose Enrique or maybe Paris St Germain will be tempted to come back in for the England left back after missing out in the summer.

Whatever happens the Chelsea manager has set out his stall and it will be interesting to see if Cole gets the same treatment Iker Casillas did at Real Madrid last season.

Source: Daily Express