Transfer news: Chelsea given seal of approval on Southampton defender Luke Shaw by current left-back Ashley Cole

The England international would be happy to see the Blues sign the Saints youngster despite the positional competition

Southampton's highly rated left-back Luke Shaw is a transfer target for Chelsea. (GETTY IMAGES)

Chelsea have been long-term admirers of Southampton’s highly rated defender Luke Shaw, but they’ve now been given the green light to pursue their transfer target by a most unlikely source – the Blues’ current left-back Ashley Cole.

The England international was partaking in a question and answer session with his followers on Twitter when challenged for his thoughts on his club targeting a player who operates in an identical position.

However, Cole surprised his audience by admitting that he would be delighted to see Shaw arrive at Stamford Bridge, replying “hope to see him there to be honest.”

At 33-years-old, Cole has found his first team opportunities few and far between since Jose Mourinho returned to west London, with the Portuguese manager often preferring right-back Cesar Azpilicueta to operate on his unfamiliar flank.

Shaw, meanwhile, has been enjoying a fine second season in the Premier League with the Saints and has been an integral factor in the south-coast club’s impressive first half of the campaign.

The 18-year-old has made 15 appearances to help his current side to a comfortable ninth position in the table, and – in similar Twitter participation to Cole – has previously disclosed to being a Chelsea fan.