Derby County are interested in doing a deal for former England and Premier League left-back Ashley Cole, according to The Sun. 

Cole has been a free agent since he left LA Galaxy at the end of their season, and a potential move to Derby could see him link up with former teammate, Frank Lampard.

In an exclusive interview with FLW, Sky Sports pundit Danny Higginbotham admitted he feels that signing Cole would be a smart bit of business by the Rams, as he could help aid the development of the younger players in the Derby squad.

Fikayo Tomori, Harry Wilson, Mason Mount and Jayden Bogle are just some of the youngsters that are in Lampard's squad this season: "Obviously, Frank Lampard knows him well from his Chelsea days, and it’s a young squad currently at Derby.

"Lampard has transformed Derby and bought the average age of the squad down and that might be one of the reasons why their form has been a bit inconsistent at times.

"It’s a wise move to bring in an experienced player, even if he doesn’t play regularly, as he can help the younger players in the squad to develop."

Higginbotham also went on to admit that he doesn't have any doubts about Cole's ability, despite him being 38 now, and insists he could play his part both on and off the pitch for the promotion-chasing Rams:

"It’s a young squad and it would make sense to bring an experienced player into the squad this season that could help benefit them in this year’s campaign.

"Cole is more than capable of being able to play at Championship level, and his experience and football brain will be a huge plus for Derby. It would be the perfect move."